Sam Awdi was at his home in southeast London on Tuesday evening when he heard screams from outside.
He stepped outside and noticed one of the two women living in a house across the street on Chelton Road, near Commissioners Road and Highbury Avenue, running out with two small children.
Other neighbors rushed to help the woman, who was sobbing uncontrollably, according to Awdi, until first responders arrived.
“It didn’t take much time,” he said about how quickly the police came.
Officers arrived around 6:25 p. m. Tuesday after reports of a “violent incident” at the Chelton Road residence, where they discovered an injured woman who later passed away in hospital, Det.-Sgt. Micah Bourdeau from the major crime section stated.
A man was taken into custody at the scene, police confirmed. He and the woman were acquainted and had an intimate relationship, police noted.
“There were additional family members at the residence at the time…, none of whom were injured,” police added.
Mandeep Singh, 41, from London is charged with second-degree murder in what marks the city’s fourth homicide this year.
Investigators labeled the death as a femicide, which refers to gender-based killings of women and girls; however, they did not disclose a cause of death.
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Residents on Chelton Road mentioned that a couple lives in the two-story house under investigation along with their young son and daughter and the woman’s mother.
On Wednesday, officers continued collecting evidence from the home. A forensic investigator documented inside the garage where children’s bikes and other toys were found while a detective spoke to people in the neighborhood.
No weapons have been recovered so far, Bourdeau indicated.
“We are continuing to search for all weapons, including any weapons that may have been used,” he stated.
Singh appeared via video link during his first court session from London police cells on Wednesday afternoon.
The short hearing included assistance from a Punjabi language interpreter.
After court clerk read out Singh’s charge of second-degree murder, justice of peace Kristine Diaz asked him if he had legal representation.
“I don’t know. I don’t have a lawyer,” he responded through translation.
Assistant Crown attorney Rachel Knetsch informed Diaz that there would be no consent for Singh’s release from custody.
In court, six names were listed that Singh cannot contact; upon hearing two of those names, Singh replied in English: “My daughter and son.”
Singh plans to apply for legal aid and find a defense lawyer. His next video appearance is scheduled for Friday from jail.
This marks the city’s second homicide within less than a month.
Lillian Leonard, 73 years old, died in hospital after being stabbed during an intruder break-in at her home on Raywood Avenue north of Wellington and Base Line roads on August 22nd.
Nelson Enrique Cornejo, aged 40 with no fixed address has been charged with second-degree murder related to that case.
This information includes contributions from Free Press reporter Jane Sims
Dale Carruthers joined The in 2011 and has worked as a general assignment reporter and web editor. He covers crime focused on gun violence organized crime and police accountability.
dcarruthers@postmedia. com
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