Update #1: ARREST - Homicide Unit Investigating Sudden Death – St. Catharines

Detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Homicide Unit continue to investigate this suspicious death. On Monday, May 18, 2026, detectives arrested a suspect in this matter.

40-year-old Joshua ST OMER of St Catharines was arrested for the following criminal offence:

• Second Degree Murder

ST OMER remains in custody and is scheduled to attend a bail hearing on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in St Catharines.

The identity of the victim is not being released at this time.

 Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) at (905) 688-4111, option 3, extension 1009451.

Members of the community who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477(TIPS). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to people who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.

NRPS Incident #26-58444

Original Media Release

On Friday, May 15, 2026, at approximately 4:15 PM, uniform officers with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) responded to a residence in the area of Lakeshore Road and Lake Street in the City of St. Catharines for reports of two people without vital signs.

Upon arrival, one adult female was located deceased within the residence.

An adult male was transported to a local hospital for treatment. His injuries are expected to be non-life threatening.

The Homicide Unit has taken carriage of the investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) at (905) 688-4111, option 3, extension 1009451.

Members of the community who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477(TIPS). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to people who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.

NRPS Incident #26-58444