Fatal House Fire in Pickering Classified as Homicide; One Arrest Made

A 69-year-old woman was found deceased following a house fire at Primrose Court and Fairport Road in Pickering on June 11, 2025. Investigators have ruled the death a homicide, according to a statement issued by the Durham Regional Police Service on June 19, 2025. The police responded to the fire at approximately 2:20 p.m.

According to Durham Regional Police, this case has been classified as the third homicide in the region for 2025. The Homicide Unit assumed responsibility for the investigation after a post-mortem examination.

On June 17, Sandra Coutinho, age 34, of Pickering was arrested and charged with accessory after the fact to murder. Police stated that she was held for a bail hearing. Additionally, investigators have identified another suspect, and the investigation is ongoing.

Police have indicated that they believe this to be an isolated incident with no threat to public safety. At the time of announcement, all allegations have yet to be proven in court.