Windsor teenager dead after stabbing; first-degree murder charge laid

A Windsor teenager has died after a stabbing in the 300 block of McDougall Ave. April 26, 2026. (Dustin Coffman/AM800 News)

A Windsor teenager has died after a stabbing, and police have charged a suspect with first-degree murder.

Shortly before 6 p.m. Sunday, officers responded to a report of a person with a weapon in the 300 block of Tecumseh Road East, near McDougall Street.

A 16-year-old male suffering from apparent stab wounds was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, where he was pronounced dead.

Police say an 18-year-old suspect was located and arrested a short time later in the 1500 block of Goyeau Street. He is facing charges of first-degree murder, uttering death threats, and wearing a facemask in the commission of an offence.

‘Senseless act of violence’

Speaking Monday, Investigation Services Superintendent Paolo Di Carlo called the killing “a senseless act of violence” and extended condolences to the victim’s family and friends.

“A 16-year-old boy has lost his life,” he said. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone impacted by this loss.”

Di Carlo said officers were able to locate and arrest a suspect within about 50 minutes, crediting witnesses who provided investigators with key information.

“It’s because of the help of the citizens that were there that provided our officers on scene a very, very good description and location … that helped us arrest the suspect,” he said.

While police believe the stabbing was a targeted incident and say there is no ongoing threat to public safety, few details about what led up to the violence have been released.

“It is a targeted incident … but I cannot provide any further details at this point,” Di Carlo said, noting the investigation remains in its early stages.

He stated the case has had a profound impact on the community, particularly given the ages involved.

“This is definitely a tragic incident. There are two families that are affected,” he said. “It is certainly a devastating occurrence right here in the community of Windsor.”

Di Carlo noted youth crime overall is trending downward in Windsor, with declines across several categories so far this year compared to 2025.

“So far we are about 85 incidents of crimes against persons in youth crime, down 20% from 2025,” Di Carlo explained.

“92 youths have been involved in crimes against persons again down 21% from 2025, and 24 youths have been charged with violent offenses, down 46% from 2025,” he continued.

“We are seeing, with youth crime, a trend down in those numbers,” he said, while noting the current case remains “a very, very tragic incident.”Anyone with information is asked to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4830, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 or online at catchcrooks.com.

Statement from local school boards

The Greater Essex County District School Board says supports are in place for students and staff following the fatal stabbing.

In a statement, a board spokesperson extended condolences to the victim’s family, calling the loss “unimaginable,” but would not confirm whether the teen attended one of its schools, citing privacy concerns.

“The Greater Essex County District School Board extends our sincerest condolences to the victim and family for this unimaginable loss,” the statement said.

The board says that in situations like this, counsellors are made available on site to support students and staff as needed.

The Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board shared similar sentiments in a statement to CTV News.

Statement from Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens says he was “really disturbed” to learn of the fatal stabbing, pointing to what he described as conflicts among young people escalating quickly.

“It shows that young people … acting out in a way that goes from zero to 100 really, really quick,” Dilkens said following Monday’s city council meeting, adding the incident underscores the need for better ways to resolve disputes without violence.

He said the city, along with parents, educators, and the broader community, has a role to play in guiding youth toward non-violent solutions.

“I feel terrible for the victim and the family,” he said.

“It’s just unwarranted. It’s unnecessary.”

A resident who lives nearby says the incident has shaken the neighbourhood.

“It’s very scary. I’ve got kids around that age,” said Steven Bowes.

“I can’t imagine what the parents are going through … it’s just awful.”

Bowes added he feels deeply for the victim’s family in the wake of the violence.