By Canadian Press

Man in custody after police find four bodies inside Markham, Ont., home

Jul 30, 2019 | 5:09 PM

MARKHAM, Ont. — A man is in custody after police found four bodies inside a home north of Toronto on Sunday afternoon, officers announced as they combed the house for evidence and reassured neighbours that they would get to the bottom of what happened.

Officers with the York regional police said they were continuing to investigate into Sunday night, noting that the 20-year-old man in custody had yet to be charged by the evening.

“Judging by the number of people who are out here right now, obviously residents are concerned for what took place here,” Const. Andy Pattenden told reporters and community members gathered behind the police tape in Markham, Ont.

“I want to reassure everybody that this is a safe community and that we’re doing everything we can so whoever is responsible for this incident is taken before our courts.”

Pattenden said officers responding to a 911 call about possible injuries met the suspect at the front door, and found the bodies inside the house.

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The deceased had not yet been identified, Pattenden said, adding that he didn’t have information about their ages or genders.

He said that on Sunday evening, the coroner was on the scene, as were officers with the forensic identification unit.

“All the resources we have at York regional police will be involved in this investigation,” he said, adding that a command post would be set up in the neighbourhood.

Pattenden said he didn’t have any information about whether there could be more suspects, but asked anyone who may have seen or heard anything of note to come forward.

Pascoal D’Souza, who lives across the street and was among those watching officers walk in and out of the home on Sunday, said it was unsettling to see such a heavy police presence in his quiet neighbourhood, where he said the residents typically “keep to themselves.”

“It’s a shock, because you never think anything like this would happen near where you live,” he said.

Alanna Rizza, The Canadian Press