Authorities have issued a Canada-wide warrant for 34-year-old Elston Coutinho in connection with a fatal house fire on June 11, 2025, in Pickering, Ontario, that has been ruled a homicide. Emergency crews responded around 2:20 p.m. to a fire near Primrose Court and Fairport Road, where the body of a 69-year-old woman was found and pronounced dead at the scene. The Durham Regional Police Homicide Unit is investigating the case, treating it as the region’s third homicide of the year, with Coutinho wanted for second-degree murder. Police consider the incident isolated, with no ongoing public safety threat, while Sandra Coutinho faces charges as an accessory after the fact. Authorities continue to seek information from the public to aid their inquiry.
Details of the Fatal House Fire and Investigation
On June 11, 2025, emergency responders arrived at a residential property near Primrose Court and Fairport Road in Pickering, Ontario, following reports of a house fire. Upon extinguishing the flames, crews discovered the body of a 69-year-old woman inside the home. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. Subsequent investigation determined that the cause of the fire was suspicious, prompting Durham Regional Police to treat the incident as a homicide.
Suspect Identification and Charges
Authorities have identified 34-year-old Elston Coutinho as the primary suspect in relation to the fatal fire. A Canada-wide warrant for Coutinho’s arrest has been issued, charging him with second-degree murder. Additionally, Sandra Coutinho has been charged as an accessory after the fact. The circumstances leading to these charges remain under active investigation as police seek further evidence.
Scope and Impact of the Case
This case marks the third homicide recorded in the Durham region in 2025. Police have emphasized that the incident is considered isolated, with no ongoing threat to the public. Investigators are urging anyone with information relevant to the case to come forward to assist in furthering the inquiry.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
The Durham Regional Police Homicide Unit continues to conduct a thorough investigation into the events surrounding the fire. Officials have requested community cooperation to help identify any additional details that may contribute to solving the case. Public updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
The investigation into the fatal house fire in Pickering remains active as authorities pursue leads and seek public assistance. With Elston Coutinho charged with second-degree murder and Sandra Coutinho facing accessory charges, police continue to gather evidence to build the case. Officials maintain that the incident is isolated, posing no ongoing risk to the community, and emphasize the importance of public cooperation in resolving the matter. Further developments will be communicated as new information becomes available.
