Teen arrested at airport for second-degree murder of Danielle Strauss
A 16-year-old boy wanted for second-degree murder in the death of Danielle Strauss has been arrested at the airport after returning from Czechia.
The teen, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was arrested at Pearson International Airport Dec. 31.
Hamilton police homicide Det. Sgt. Steve Bereziuk told The Spectator in December that detectives believed the teen fled to the eastern European country sometime after Strauss' Nov. 7 murder.
It's unclear why and under what circumstances the teen returned to Canada. However, Hamilton police said they were assisted by RCMP Interpol services, Canada Border Services Agency, Global Affairs Canada and Peel Regional Police.
The 16-year-old is among three teens charged in the 38-year-old's death. Another 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl were arrested on an HSR bus on the Mountain Nov. 28 and remain in custody.
Two women in their 40s also face accessory charges for allegedly helping the teens after Strauss was killed. This includes the 40-year-old mother of the recently arrested 16-year-old, who police allege helped her son flee.
Strauss was discovered in her 195 Ferguson Ave. N. apartment on Nov. 10 by the building's superintendent, who entered the second-floor unit for a scheduled pest control appointment. However, based on surveillance video, police believe she was killed between 12:30 and 1 a.m. on Nov. 7.
In the two months leading to her death, two teen boys were seen staying at her apartment. Neighbours complained about drugs being sold and to some it seemed like they were taking over her apartment. The 38-year-old Strauss has been described by friends as being vulnerable, including struggling with mental health and addiction.
Police said the relationship between Strauss and the teen boys was allegedly based on drugs. However, that does not mean drugs are directly tied to the motive.
Few details have been released about exactly what police believe happened inside the apartment because the case is before the courts. This includes not releasing cause of death.
Strauss was the mother of an adult daughter and has been described by family as fun-loving, outgoing and someone who always saw the good in others.
Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Kevin Heyink at 905-546-2288.
To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com.
Nicole O'Reilly is a crime and justice reporter at The Spectator. noreilly@thespec.com