Son faces murder charges after mother dies of assault injuries in Pickering

A man is facing murder charges after his mother died in hospital following what police initially described as a “possible collision” in Pickering early Sunday morning.

Durham Regional Police responded to reports of a crash near Foxwood Trail and Weyburn Square at around 5 a.m. Upon arrival, police found a woman with life-threatening injuries. She was transported to a Toronto trauma centre, where she later died.

Investigators later confirmed the woman’s injuries were the result of an assault and not a collision. The victim has since been identified as 64-year-old Sheila Hercules.

A suspect was subsequently arrested at the scene. Pickering resident Aiden Hercules, 25, faces a second-degree murder charge.

Officials say he is the victim’s son and officers believe there are no outstanding suspects or further threats to public safety.

This marks the region’s 10th murder for 2024.

Anyone with information, including cell phone, dashcam, or surveillance footage, is asked to contact Det. Barrette of the homicide unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5412.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca.