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Accused murderer appears in bail court for a second time

Funeral mass for Mirella Roncato, the mother of the accused, set for Saturday morning

Jacob Roncato made a brief appearance in Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph late Friday morning.

The short, stocky Guelph man, 26, was calm and attentive in bail court. Dressed in a orange prison jump-suit, Roncato was silent as lawyers conferred to schedule a subsequent date for the accused murderer to return to court. That date was set for July 28.

Peaceful Hasler Crescent off Arkell Road in south end Guelph was thrown into shock and sorrow on Tuesday, after Mirella Roncato, 54, the accused man’s mother, was found dead in her home at 4 Hasler.

Her son was arrested a few hours later on a Guelph Transit bus, and arrested without incident. He was charged with first degree murder in the death. No other suspects are being sought.

Neighbours told GuelphToday.com earlier in the week that a tragedy of the like was the last thing anyone imagined happening in the neighbourhood. Mirella Roncato was described as a cheerful woman, quick with a smile.

An avid gardener, she was the mother of three children – Jacob, Kayla and Daniel. She is survived by her offspring, and her husband of 30 years, Ivan.

A funeral mass is scheduled for Saturday at St. John’s Parish at 45 Victoria Road N. in the city. It begins at 11 a.m. Entombment will follow at Marymount Cemetery. Donations to the Canadian Mental Health Association would be appreciated.

Guelph Police responded to 4 Hasler just after midnight on Tuesday, July 18. Jacob Roncato was arrest just before 6:20 a.m. that same morning. He has been in custody since.

A large-scale investigative team was at the residence Tuesday, and had largely departed by Wednesday. Neighbours described the tragic circumstances as devastating and unbelievable.


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Rob O'Flanagan

About the Author: Rob O'Flanagan

Rob O’Flanagan has been a newspaper reporter, photojournalist and columnist for over twenty years. He has won numerous Ontario Newspaper Awards and a National Newspaper Award.
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