Woodstock Mayor Issues Statement On Nursing Home Murders

Tuesday, 25 October 2016 at 14:54

"Woodstock is a very resilient community that joins together to heal."

WOODSTOCK - The Mayor of Woodstock has released a statement in regards to the announcement today about the murders at two nursing homes in Woodstock and London.

Trevor Birtch tells Heart FM this is a sad day for the City of Woodstock.

"This is a very sad moment for the City of Woodstock and are hearts go out to the families and I want to ensure them that the community will assist them through this tough process. We have many community resources and partners that are ready and willing to help. Woodstock is a very resilient community that joins together to heal.

The allegations made today must not tarnish the good and respectable work of all the health care professionals in our retirement and nursing homes. I convey my thanks and support to those people who dedicate themselves each day to the care of our loved ones.

The police services are very thorough and effective in their investigations and the matter is before the courts. As Mayor I am very proud of all the individuals involved in working through this misfortune together as a community."

A 49 year old woman from Woodstock is facing 8 counts of first degree murder after 7 homicides in Woodstock and 1 in London.

Police say the homicides occurred at the Caressant Care Nursing Home in Woodstock and 1 at the Meadow Park Nursing Home in London. Elizabeth Tracey Mae Wettlaufer has been charged with first degree murder in the homicides. Wettlaufer was working at the nursing homes when the homicides occurred. The murders happened over a number of years starting in 2007.

The victims are listed here:

James SILCOX (84) Caressant Care – Woodstock August 17, 2007

Maurice GRANAT (84) Caressant Care - Woodstock December 23, 2007

Gladys MILLARD (87) Caressant Care – Woodstock October 14, 2011

Helen MATHESON (95) Caressant Care – Woodstock October 27, 2011

Mary ZURAWINSKI (96) Caressant Care – Woodstock November 7, 2011

Helen YOUNG (90) Caressant Care – Woodstock July 14, 2013

Maureen PICKERING (79) Caressant Care – Woodstock March 28, 2014

Arpad HORVATH (75) Meadow Park – London August 31, 2014