A man wanted for second degree murder in connection with a June homicide has been arrested in Toronto.
Sault Ste. Marie Police say Scott Devlin was taken into custody in Toronto yesterday.
Late last month, a Canada-wide arrest warrant was issued for the 52-year-old.
The suspect was reported missing on June 18.
On June 19, the body of Mikaila Straatsma, the 30-year-old victim, was found in her apartment just down the hall from where Devlin and his family live.
After he disappeared, articles about Devlin's sexual assault convictions from the 1990s began circulating on social media
Police said Devlin was last seen on June 17 in the area of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and could still be in the Greater Toronto Area.
At around 5:15 p.m. yesterday Sault detectives were in the area of Toronto’s Union Station when they spotted someone that matched Devlin’s description.
Once the detectives positively identified Devlin, he was arrested.
He is charged with:
- Second Degree Murder
- Indignity to a Dead Body
“We know this case has deeply impacted our community, and many have wondered about the length of the investigation,” says Chief Brent Duguay in a news release.
“This is an exceptionally complex case and, from the very beginning, our detectives have worked tirelessly to gather evidence, follow leads, and pursue justice for the victim and their loved ones.
“The persistence and professionalism of our team have made possible the arrest of the accused in Toronto and their return to Sault Ste. Marie to face the courts.”
Devlin has been brought back to the Sault, where he's being held in custody pending a bail hearing.
None of the allegations have been tested in court and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.