On Thursday, August 8, 2024, at approximately 1:00 p.m., Hamilton Police, Fire, and EMS responded to a wellbeing check at 112 Ottawa Street North, Apartment 1. Upon arrival, emergency responders encountered barricaded and locked door. After forcibly gaining entry, emergency responders discovered two deceased individuals inside the apartment.
The victims have been identified as Barbara Church, a 77-year-old resident, and Derek Emmons, a 51-year-old individual. Barbara Church was found deceased on the bed with a stab wound, while Derek Emmons was also found deceased from a self-inflicted injury.
A knife with blood was recovered from the scene. Following autopsies, the police have determined Barbara Church’s death to be a homicide and Derek Emmons’ death to be a suicide.
Efforts to locate Barbara Church’s next of kin have thus far been unsuccessful, and police are continuing their search for any surviving relatives.
Derek Emmons’s family has been notified of his passing.
At this time, police do not believe there are any additional suspects related to this incident.
If you have any information to provide regarding the investigation, please contact Detective Frank De Vuono at 905-546-3827.
To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 of submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com