Suspect from GTA arrested in death of London, Ont. woman

An 18-year-old from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has been arrested and charged with first degree murder in the death of Lynda Marques, according to police.

At a news conference on Wednesday morning, Acting Detective Inspector Alex Krygsman identified the suspect as Ammar Patel.

After being brought to London by Toronto Police, Patel made a court appearance this afternoon. Sitting in the prisoners box, the young man was wearing a black track suit, and had a long, bushy ponytail.

“Patel has been in custody since Nov.17, 2021 on other matters unrelated to this [Marques] case,” said Krysgman.

Patel was arrested by police in Toronto on Nov. 17, 2021 and is facing a total of 58 drug-related charges form a bust in the Thorncliffe Park area of the city.

The charges in Toronto include trafficking and possession of fentanyl and cocaine, gun offences, as well as recklessly discharging a gun and breach of probation.

In the Toronto investigation dubbed ‘Project Malibu' ammunition, guns, and more than $1.26-million worth of drugs were seized.

“The [London] charge against Patel is not the end of this investigation. Multiple persons were involved in Linda's murder, and there's more work to do,” said Krygsman.

He went on to say that investigators and the public have helped push this case forward, and they believe there are others who have knowledge of the details of Marques’ Murder.

A non-communication order was issued to Patel, which included more than 20 names. Among those were members of Marques’ family, as well as her boyfriend Ali Bhatti. 

Marques was fatally shot around 7:50 p.m., on Sept. 14, 2021 as she returned to her home in north London.

“We were in contact with the victim's family this morning, and they expressed gratitude for the work of the police,” says Krysgman. “We assured them that in spite of this arrest in this charge, this investigation is not over.” 

Patel will return to court via video from Toronto on June 15.