Man charged with first-degree murder in death of his mother
GUELPH — A 54-year-old Guelph woman is dead and a 26-year-old Guelph man is in police custody facing a charge of first-degree murder.
Jacob Roncato was led into a Guelph courtroom on Tuesday afternoon after he was arrested earlier that morning. He is charged with murder in the death of Mirella Roncato.
Several Roncato family members attended court but were too distraught to speak about the issue. Family members did say, however, the accused is the son of the victim and suggested that his struggles with mental illness may have played a role in this death.
At the bail hearing, the justice of the peace issued a publication ban on reporting any evidence heard in court regarding this matter.
On Tuesday, shortly after midnight, Guelph police responded to a call at a home on Hasler Crescent and found the body of a woman inside. The circumstances surrounding the death appeared to be suspicious in nature, officers said.
Their investigation led to the identification of the accused, who was located and arrested on a city bus at 6:17 a.m.
Police said they are not seeking any other suspects and there are no public safety concerns.
Early Tuesday morning, yellow police tape cordoned off 2 and 4 Hasler Cres., on the east end of where Hasler meets Bard Boulevard. Later in the morning, the tape was taken down around the corner house but kept up around 4 Hasler.
Police cruisers were parked along on the curb in front of the home and a forensics van was parked in the driveway. A larger police command unit was parked nearby on Bard.
At around 9:30 a.m., neighbours on Hasler were seen gathering outside of their homes asking each other questions about what happened. When they were told a woman had died and police were investigating an alleged murder, some covered their mouths with their hands, while others hugged each other silently on the sidewalk.
Megan Maceiras, a student at the University of Guelph, said she’s lived on Hasler for five years and has always seen it as a quiet street.
“I just couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I’ve always felt very safe around here.”
Another neighbour, Bari Azizi, said the woman who lived at the home was sometimes seen with her sons. He would occasionally see her outside and the neighbours would exchange pleasantries. “She’s a nice and quiet lady,” he said.
The accused is expected back in court, in person, on Friday morning.
Anyone with information in relation to this investigation can contact Det. Sgt. Dave Begin at 519-824-1212, ext. 7226. Anonymous calls can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.