Toronto police say a 37-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder after his mother was found in a west-end park with “significant injuries.”
Investigators said officers were called to King’s Mill Park, near TTC’s Old Mill subway station, at around 10:45 a.m. on Friday through 911 by the victim.
“She was looking for help. She was looking for assistance from the police because she was in crisis,” Insp. Andy Singh told reporters late Friday.
Singh said she was later pronounced dead.
In an update released Saturday morning, police identified the woman as 69-year-old Toronto resident Kathleen Hatcher. Her death marks the city’s 13th homicide of 2021.
Police haven’t elaborated on the circumstances leading up to Hatcher’s death.
Hours later Saturday, officers said Toronto resident Colin Hatcher was arrested. Investigators said he was charged with second-degree murder and will be making a court appearance on Sunday.
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) confirmed to Global News that Hatcher retired from the board in December.
“Kathleen most recently worked as an assessor for the Essential Skills Upgrading Program at Burnhamthorpe Collegiate Adult Learning Centre, where she had been since 2003,” a TDSB statement read.
“She’s being remembered as an extraordinary person who was wonderful with learners and colleagues and will be dearly missed. We extend our sincere condolences to Kathleen’s loved ones and former co-workers following her tragic passing.”
Anyone with information on Hatcher’s death is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.
— With files from Nick Westoll