Police have identified the victim of a homicide in Leeds and the Thousand Islands as Katherine Graham, a 78-year-old retired Carleton University professor and esteemed academic leader. Her daughter, also named Katherine Graham and aged 43, faces a homicide charge in connection with her mother's death.
Charges Laid and Court Proceedings
The Ontario Provincial Police discovered the victim's body on Tuesday evening while responding to a wellness call. A post-mortem examination later confirmed the death was a homicide, though the specific cause has not been publicly released. The accused, the victim's 43-year-old daughter, was remanded in custody following her arrest. Her next court appearance is scheduled for January 8, 2026.
The investigation is a collaborative effort led by the Leeds County OPP Crime Unit, with support from the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, Forensic Identification Services, the Office of the Chief Coroner, and the Forensic Pathology Service.
A Legacy of Leadership and Scholarship
Carleton University released a statement expressing profound sadness at the loss of Professor Emerita Katherine A. H. Graham. The university remembered her as a distinguished scholar, leader, and public servant whose career left a lasting mark on public policy, local governance, community development, and Indigenous policy in Canada.
Brenda O'Neill, Dean of the Faculty of Public and Global Affairs, highlighted Graham's extensive contributions in a letter to colleagues. Graham served as Dean of the Faculty of Public Affairs from 2003 to 2009 and as associate dean for Research and Faculty Development from 1998 to 2002.
Enduring Impact on Community and Academia
Graham's work extended far beyond the university campus. She was deeply committed to fostering partnerships between communities and academic institutions. Her notable roles included:
- Coordinator of the Carleton Batawa Initiative, aimed at making Batawa a model for rural sustainability.
- Chair of Community-Based Research Canada, a national network promoting collaborative research.
- A founding member and senior fellow of the Carleton Centre for Community Innovation (3ci).
In recognition of her influential work, the university established the Katherine Graham Annual Lecture in Indigenous Policy in 2009. Colleagues and former students have reflected on her mentorship and the enduring impact of her dedication to advancing understanding and collaboration across her fields of expertise.
The Carleton community, along with the broader academic and public policy sectors, is mourning the loss of a figure described as having a profound impact, whose legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.
