A 24-year-old man from Georgina has been sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years, after he was found guilty of First-Degree Murder.

On Saturday, January 15, 2022, just after 5 a.m., York Region Paramedic Services and the Town of Georgina Fire and Emergency Services were called to a residence on Miami Drive for a report of a house on fire.

The fire was extinguished and the homeowner was located deceased inside the residence.  The victim was identified as Sandy GAUTHIER, 85, of Georgina. A post-mortem examination was conducted and the death was determined to be a homicide.

After a lengthy and thorough investigation, a suspect was identified using investigative genetic genealogy.

On October 25, 2022, Bradley STRICKLER, of Georgina, who was 21-years-old at the time, was charged with First-Degree Murder, Sexual Assault and Arson with Disregard for Human Life. He has remained in custody since his arrest.

In January 2025, a trial began on the charge of First-Degree Murder alone.

On February 11, 2025, a jury found STRICKLER guilty of First-Degree Murder. On February 20, 2025, he was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide Unit at 1-866-876-5423 ext. 7865, or email at [email protected], or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.

Visit our Community Safety Data Portal for complete stats and crime data within York Region. Crime prevention is our shared responsibility. Learn more about Operation Streetview.

Prepared by: Constable Kevin Nebrija
                    22-15783
                    February 21, 2025