The York Regional Police have opened a homicide investigation following a fatal fire in Georgina over the weekend.

Emergency service personnel were called to a home on Miami Drive shortly after 5 a.m. Saturday (Jan. 15). When the blaze was extinguished, the homeowner — 85-year-old Sandy Gauthier — was found dead inside.

“A post-mortem examination was conducted and the death was determined to be a homicide. The Homicide Unit has taken over the investigation,” reads a media release from police.

“Investigators are also appealing to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area who have not yet spoken to police, to please come forward. They are also asking anyone who has video surveillance or dash cam footage from the area or of the incident to contact investigators.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7865 or homicide@yrp.ca. Anonymous tips can be left through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.1800222tips.com.