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Son in custody, accused of murdering his mother

Mirella Roncato was an avid gardener and friendly person. Her son, Jacob, is accused of his mother's murder
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Just one Guelph Police vehicle remains at the Hasler Crescent scene were a 54-year-old woman was killed sometime on Monday. A murder investigation is ongoing. Rob O'Flanagan/GuelphRoday

The large-scale police presence on Hasler Crescent in south end Guelph has diminished. But the shock and disbelief over the tragedy that sparked a homicide investigation on the peaceful street continues to reverberate in the neighbourhood.

Residents living near 4 Hasler say Mirella Roncato, 54, appeared to live alone there. An avid gardener and a friendly person, she was often seen working in her front garden. Neighbours say she was quick with a wave and a smile. Her 26-year-old son, Jacob, was often seen at the home.

It appears the woman lost her life in the residence sometime on Monday. Guelph Police responded to the residence just after midnight on Tuesday and found the woman dead. Her son was arrested just before 6:20 a.m. on Tuesday while in a Guelph Transit bus.

Jacob Roncato has been charged with first degree murder in connection with the death of his mother, and is being held in custody. He is scheduled to make an appearance in a Guelph court on Friday.

There was just one Guelph Police vehicle at the scene Wednesday morning, parked in Mirella Roncato’s driveway. A day earlier, an emergency command unit and several other police vehicles swarmed the area.

Roncato’s neighbours say the peaceful and quiet balance of the street has been disturbed. Neighbours did not want their names used, but described the tragic circumstances as devastating and unbelievable. One woman called the violent death a highly unlikely event to happen in a neighbourhood noted as friendly and peaceful.

Another woman said while she did not have a lot of interaction with the deceased woman, she was always “such a nice lady,” and one who appeared happy.

Neighbours expressed deep remorse for the woman’s family members and friends, and condolences were offered to those close to the her.

While the accused son was often seen on the street, some said he was not a permanent resident of the home.  

On Tuesday, both 2 and 4 Hasler Crescent were cordoned off with police tap. By Wednesday, 4 Hasler remained under cordon, its garage door open.  

Guelph Police stated Tuesday that no other suspects are being sought in the case. On Wednesday in a statement, police said there would be no further comment on the matter by Guelph Police now that it is before the courts.


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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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