A peaceful lakeside retirement community in Lambton County has been left shattered after the violent death of a longtime resident over the weekend — an incident neighbours describe as “the most horrible thing” they have ever witnessed.
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) remain on scene in Port Franks, a small community along the shores of Lake Huron, as investigators work to piece together what led to the death of a woman and the serious injury of another man inside Northville Estates, a retirement development normally known for its quiet atmosphere and close-knit neighbourhood bonds.
According to multiple residents who spoke with CTV News, the man taken into custody by police is believed to be the son of the woman who was killed, adding a heartbreaking element to an already disturbing tragedy.
As forensic teams comb the area for evidence, neighbours struggle to come to terms with an outburst of violence that has forever changed their sense of safety.
Disturbance Reported Saturday Afternoon
The incident is believed to have unfolded shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, when several residents reported a disturbance at one of the homes within the Northville Estates community.
OPP forensic officers returned to the scene on Monday morning, surrounding the home as they collected physical evidence and conducted detailed examinations of the property.
Neighbours recount chaotic moments as word quickly spread through the community that someone had been badly injured.
One tearful neighbour recalled how a friend, clearly shaking and distraught, ran into her home with devastating news.
“She told me that her friend — the woman next door — had been stabbed,” the neighbour said. “She was crying and in shock. None of us could believe what we were hearing.”
The same neighbour told reporters that another resident, who tried to step in and help during the altercation, was also attacked — leaving a second victim seriously injured.
Emergency services rushed to the area as multiple 911 calls poured in.
Neighbour Describes Seeing Suspect
Longtime resident Tom Whytall said he was sitting on his porch when he noticed a man moving quickly between homes. He immediately recognized the individual as the deceased woman’s son.
“He came running from this area here and went over to the side of his house,” Whytall said. “Then he went down into what they have — kind of a basement space — and he was basically in his underwear. It shocked me. None of this made any sense.”
Whytall watched as police and emergency vehicles arrived in large numbers, quickly taking control of the area. He says responding officers and paramedics acted with urgency in an apparent attempt to save the woman’s life.
“They carried her and brought her over onto the grass,” he said. “They tried to resuscitate her for a long, long time. But it was clear that it wasn’t going to work. I’ve never seen anything so awful.”
The image of first responders desperately trying to revive his neighbour is one Whytall says will stay with him forever.
OPP Confirm Death, Injury and Arrest
OPP spokesperson Const. Jeff Beaumaster confirmed the basic facts of the case but said details remain limited at this stage of the investigation.
“Upon arrival, we located one person deceased at the scene,” Beaumaster said. “Another person was seriously injured and transported to hospital. A third individual was taken into custody without incident.”
While police have not officially confirmed the relationship between the suspect and the victim, multiple neighbours reported that the man arrested is the woman’s son.
Beaumaster also confirmed that the injured man remains in hospital but is expected to recover. Some community members, including Whytall, say they have spoken with him.
“He told me it was the most horrible thing he’s ever seen,” Whytall said quietly. “He tried to help. And he almost lost his life doing it.”
At the time of publication, police have not yet announced any formal charges, but they confirmed the man in custody is expected to appear in court on Tuesday.
A Community in Shock
Port Franks is known for its natural beauty, being located near Lake Huron with beaches, trails, and quiet residential streets. For many residents in Northville Estates, the community is a peaceful place to enjoy retirement, far removed from violent crime.
The events of the weekend have shaken that sense of safety to the core.
“I’ve lived here for years and nothing like this has ever happened,” one resident said. “Everyone knows each other. We look after one another. Violence like this just doesn’t belong here.”
Neighbours described the woman who was killed as kind, intelligent, and gracious — someone who always offered a friendly smile and was respected by those around her.
“She was a beautiful, gentle person,” Whytall said. “Very smart, very kind. I don’t think anyone here can understand why something like this would happen to her.”
Many residents gathered quietly on Monday to comfort one another, sharing stories and tears as police continued their work only a few steps away.
In times of tragedy, the tight-knit community is now leaning on one another for support.
Questions Remain Unanswered
As the investigation continues, many questions remain unresolved:
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What exactly led to the violent altercation?
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What was the motive behind the attack?
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Were there any warning signs or previous incidents involving the individuals?
At least one neighbour told CTV News that, to their knowledge, there had been no prior police presence at the home and no signs of domestic turmoil in recent years.
This lack of obvious warning signs has only deepened the shock for those who knew the family.
“We never thought something like this would happen,” a neighbour said. “It makes you question how well you really know what someone is going through.”
Police have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the wider community and that the incident appears to be isolated.
Focus Turns to Healing and Justice
As forensic teams wrap up their work, attention now turns to the upcoming court appearance and the slow healing process for a community that has experienced profound trauma.
Grief counsellors and support services are expected to be made available to residents affected by the incident, many of whom are elderly and particularly vulnerable to emotional distress.
For now, Port Franks residents are attempting to return to some form of normalcy — but the memory of flashing police lights, frantic cries for help, and the devastating loss of a beloved neighbour will not disappear easily.
“This isn’t something you forget,” Whytall said. “This is something that stays with you forever.”