Second Suspect Charged in Windsor's First 2026 Homicide Case
Windsor police have made a significant development in the city's first homicide investigation of 2026, charging a second individual with first-degree murder. The arrest marks a crucial step forward in a case that has gripped the community since the violent incident occurred earlier this month.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
Robert Joseph Labrecque, a 25-year-old Windsor resident, was taken into custody on Tuesday following an intensive investigation by the Windsor Police Service. Labrecque now faces a first-degree murder charge, joining 31-year-old Brandon Gerald Leigh who was arrested and charged with the same offense last week. Both suspects were apprehended on outstanding warrants before the murder charges were formally added to their cases.
The investigation began on Wednesday, February 18, when emergency responders discovered a 44-year-old man injured and unconscious in the parking lot of Windsor Regional Hospital's Metropolitan campus. The discovery occurred just after 5:30 a.m., with the victim being transported to the emergency room where he was pronounced dead despite life-saving efforts. Police have confirmed the victim sustained fatal injuries shortly before being left at the hospital location.
Investigation Progress and Community Impact
Detectives from the major crimes unit have been working diligently since the initial discovery, with their efforts leading to the identification of Labrecque as a second suspect less than a week after the victim's death. The problem-oriented policing unit executed the arrest in the 500 block of Windsor Avenue, where Labrecque was taken into custody on probation breach warrants before the murder charge was added.
Police officials have emphasized that this appears to be an isolated incident involving individuals who were known to each other. Both suspects were acquainted with the victim according to investigative findings. Authorities have maintained a tight-lipped approach regarding specific details of the homicide, including the exact cause of death and the victim's identity, which has not been publicly released.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
Residents in the vicinity of the hospital have reported police activity in the immediate aftermath of the incident. One Kildare Road resident, located west of the hospital campus, recounted to local media that an officer knocked on his door around 7 a.m. on February 18, inquiring whether anyone had witnessed or heard anything unusual. The resident reported the officer mentioned the possibility of either a bullet wound or stab wound being involved in the case.
The Windsor Police Service continues to actively investigate this homicide and encourages anyone with additional information to come forward. The major crimes unit can be reached directly at 519-255-6700, extension 4830, while anonymous tips can be submitted to Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers through their hotline or online reporting system.
This case represents Windsor's first homicide of 2026 and has drawn significant attention from both law enforcement and community members concerned about violent crime in the region. Police have reassured the public that this appears to be an isolated incident rather than a random act of violence, though the investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to establish a complete timeline of events and gather all relevant evidence.
