Second-degree murder charge laid in connection to suspicious death in north London

One person is in custody after police responded to a report of a suspicious death in northeast London Tuesday morning.

Neighbours saw police cars fill the streets around this home on Chippewa Drive around 7:30 a.m.

They say not long after police arrived, a man was taken into custody on the driveway of the home.

London Police Service Sergeant Sandasha Bough told CTV News, "Upon police arrival, an individual was located deceased inside a residence, and an adult male was arrested at the scene."

Police conduct an investigation at a home on Chippewa Drive after a report of a suspicious death on Jan. 7, 2024. (Gerry Dewan/CTV News London)

Those in the area that know the family say four people were living in the home; a mother, father, a child believed to be around seven or eight, and the child's grandmother.

They say the child was escorted from the home by a family member shortly after the arrest was made.

Members of the London Police Forensics Unit spent much of the morning moving in and out of the home, gathering evidence.

According to Bough, "The investigation has been turned over to members of our Major Crime Section, and as soon as we have additional information to share with the public we will do so."

Bough said police were canvasing the neighbourhood throughout the morning as part of the investigation, "They're speaking to members of the public, anyone who was in the area at the time. As with all investigations, we continue to appeal to members of the public. If you have any information that can assist us, please contact us."

The victim has been identified as Phy Puth, 64, of London.

According to police, the victim and accused were known to each other.

As a result of the investigation, Lee Couturier, 48, of London, has been charged with second-degree murder.

The accused is expected to appear in London court Tuesday in relation to the investigation.