A 21-year-old man from Georgina has been charged with murder after an elderly woman was found dead in her home following a fire last January.
Georgina Fire crews were called to a home on Miami Drive at about 5:10 a.m. for reports of a house fire on Jan. 15, 2022. The house was fully involved in flames when they arrived on scene.
The homeowner, 85-year-old Sandy Gauthier of Georgina, was found deceased inside the house. A post-mortem examination determined it was a homicide.
York Regional Police launched a lengthy investigation and on Oct. 25 arrested Bradley Strickler, 21. He is charged with first degree murder, sexual assault, and arson with disregard for human life.
He remains in police custody ahead of a court date in Newmarket on Dec. 6.
Police have not commented on the relationship between the victim and the accused.
Anyone with information that could assist in this investigation is asked to contact the homicide unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7865, or [email protected]. You can also leave an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or online.
