Death of 79-year-old woman found inside Hamilton apartment deemed homicide

Homicide detectives are investigating after the body of a 79-year-old woman was discovered in a Hamilton apartment last week.

Gladys Little was found inside her apartment unit at 187 Park St. South around 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Police say Little’s family became worried after she missed her daily check-in call with her son.

Her family went to her home and immediately called 911 when they discovered her body.

She was pronounced dead at the scene and the coroner was called in to investigate.

“Due to the circumstances found at the scene, a post mortem was ordered to determine the cause of death,” said Hamilton police in a news release. “The apartment was secured and held by police pending the results of the autopsy.”

Officers canvassed the area and spoke with residents who lived on the floors directly above and below Little. Police also collected security footage from the building.

The post mortem was completed on Wednesday and determined Little was the victim of a homicide.

The Major Crime Unit took over the investigation and canvassed the 21-storey building.

“It is unknown if Gladys knew her killer or answered the door to them,” said police. “Police are reminding residents to keep their doors locked and ensure they are taking appropriate steps when answering their doors.”

Investigators are asking anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious between 1 p.m. on Friday and 4 p.m. on Saturday to contact the Hamilton Police Service.