Murder charge laid after Burlington discovery

Police have laid charges after a gruesome discovery in Burlington Monday night. Halton police say they forced their way into an apartment on Pearl Street after a four-hour stand off with a man barricaded inside. Once inside the unit, police found a dead body.

The body of a woman was removed from the 478 Pearl Street address Monday night. Police say they received a call about an altercation in an apartment here at 10am and when they arrived, a man had barricaded himself inside, saying he had a gun.

Chantal Corner, Halton Police: “We got into some dialogue with that individual, into negotiations and subsequently forced entry into the apartment.”

Once inside they discovered a body. Police aren’t revealing the cause of death or the man’s connection to the victim. 41-year old Malcolm Copeland of Markham, seen here being taken away on a stretcher, has been charged with second-degree murder.

Forensic officers remained on the scene Tuesday.

Police aren’t releasing the name of the victim but CHCH News has learned she went by the name of Liz and she worked at the Queen’s Head Pub as a bartender.

Staff wouldn’t go on camera but said they were sad to hear what had happened to such a kind person. They were being interviewed by police today.

Neighbours on the quiet, tree lined street where Liz lived say they are shocked.

Arlene Miller lives in the neighbourhood: “It’s really, really sad. I’m, I can’t believe that it’s happened here. Especially that building. It’s just elderly people almost always.”

Amanda Hollins lives in the building: “It’s so sad. I mean this area, you never hear of anything like this happening and it’s really unfortunate.”

Sheila O’Brien is an area resident: “Shocking. Very difficult thing to even hear about because it’s such a lovely neighbourhood.”