The London Police Major Crime Section continues to investigate the death of a 47-year-old woman reported to police early this morning and has laid a charge against a man arrested at the scene.
Alton Farquharson, 56, of London, has been charged with second degree murder. He was held in custody to appear in London court today and was remanded into custody with a future court date of December 23, 2025.
Out of respect for the wishes of her family, the victim is not being identified. However, in the interest of enhancing public safety through greater awareness, this incident is being characterized as a femicide.
Intimate partner violence poses a serious risk to the safety and well-being of our community. In recognition of this fact, the City of London is one of more than 100 other municipalities across Ontario to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic.
Several local agencies provide specialized supports for the safety and well-being of our community. In recognition of this fact, the City of London is one of more than 100 other municipalities across Ontario to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic.
“In the majority of cases, ‘intimate partner violence’ can be expressed more directly as ‘men’s violence against women’. In fact, nearly 80 percent of victims of IPV or gender-based violence are women.” said Deputy Chief Paul Bastien. “This, along with the fact that intimate partner violence in general is underreported, is why enhanced training, education, intervention, data collection, and reporting are so important.”
At approximately 5:15 a.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, emergency services responded to a report of a death at a residence on Westminster Avenue.
Upon arrival, an adult woman suffering from a traumatic injury was located inside the home. She was transported to hospital by paramedic services, where she was pronounced deceased
The deceased and the man in custody were known to each other.
The Major Crime Section is leading the investigation and additional information will be provided as appropriate.
Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers.
