Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) yesterday asked the public for any information about the third homicide of 2026.
In an update, the police said the victim’s name is not being released at this time. The victim was a 23-year-old male from Oshawa.
On Saturday, May 9 at about 8:10 pm, members from Central West Division responded to an armed person call in the area of Simcoe Road North and Winchester Road East. Officers arrived on scene and located a 23-year-old male with traumatic injuries. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Two groups of males engaged in a physical altercation outside of the Tim Horton’s located at 2700 Simcoe Street North. During that altercation, the victim suffered fatal injuries. The suspect and several other males fled on foot south and east of the Tim Horton’s, police said without giving what instrument caused the injuries.
An extensive search, with the assistance of Air1 and the DRPS K9 Unit, was conducted; however, the suspects were not located. Residents can expect an increased police presence in the area as the investigation continues, police said.
At this time, investigators believe this was an isolated incident and there are no concerns for public safety.
First and Second Himicides
The first homicide of 2026 reportedly took place on February 22, when a 78-year old was found dead in a Clarington residence engulfed in flames. A 23-year old suspect has been arrested on manslaughter charges.
Durham police said the victim in Durham Region’s second murder of the year, has been identified as 24-year-old Thisal (Sam) Sanjula Perera, who was pronounced dead at the scene in Ajax (see below).
The Homicide Unit has taken over the investigation and is asking anyone who was in the area between 7:30 pm and 9 pm, who may have cell phone, dash‑cam, or surveillance footage, or any information, to contact police. If you have any information about this incident, please contact Det. Laura Middleton of the DRPS Homicide Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5418.