Homicide investigation underway in Simcoe

OPP investigate after a 71-year-old woman was found dead in her Simcoe home Sunday. CTV London’s Gerry Dewan has the story.

Norfolk OPP have launched a homicide investigation after a senior was found dead in her Simcoe home.

The OPP have identified the victim as 71-year-old Barbara Morgan.

Neighbour Terry Feeri remembers Morgan as kind but quiet, “We’re just neighbors. We’re friends. We talk. But that was it.”

Neighbour Quinn Cook would see morgan maintaining a small garden on the property of the Norfolk County Fair grounds, just steps from her home. She would fill the display with plants from her own garden, “Every spring she go up and plant flowers and everything, try to spruce the place up.”

The OPP report arriving at the home on Head Street South around 10:30 a.m. Sunday after receiving a 911 call.

Cook emerged from his home shortly after to see the heavy police presence, “I saw the officers talking to one of the guys I’ve seen in that house before. He was sitting on the front step, and he looked upset.”

Other neigbhours identified the man as Morgan’s son, who lives nearby. Members of the Norfolk OPP forensics unit were on scene Monday, searching the house inside and out for evidence.

Neighbours say Morgan told them that she had become uncomfortable having a border living in the house and was anxious to have them move out.

Police have not made an arrest and have not identified a suspect, with West Region OPP Sgt. Ed Sanchuk posted an update on social media, saying, “Preliminary information suggests this is an isolated incident with no indication of a broader threat.”

But Sanchuk said police are asking the public to be on alert, “While there is no known risk to the wider community this time, members of the public are encouraged to stay alert and report any suspicious activity to police as a precaution.”

A post-mortem was planned for Monday as part of the investigation.