Husband facing murder charge in stabbing death of wife in Vaughan

A woman who worked as a teacher at a North York alternative elementary school was the victim of an overnight stabbing at home in Vaughan, CityNews has learned.

York Regional Police officers were called to a semi-detached home on Isa Court, near Martin Grove Road and Highway 27, around 12:25 a.m. Wednesday.

Investigators say they located a woman suffering from serious injuries and despite life-saving measures, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

A police source tells CityNews she had been stabbed several times.

Police have identified the victim as 64-year-old Estella Wheeler. She worked as a Grade 7/8 teacher at Toronto’s Africentric Alternative School on Sheppard Avenue. CityNews interviewed Wheeler a few weeks ago for Black History Month.

“Ms. Wheeler was a well-known, dedicated team member at Africentric Alternative School who cared for all her students. During her time at our school, she developed strong relationships with students and staff, and will be remembered as an incredibly kind and giving person who was friends with everyone,” said Principal Hugh Reynolds in a letter that was sent home to parents on Wednesday.

Trevor Wheeler, 68, has been charged with second-degree murder.

Investigators have confirmed the couple were husband and wife who both lived at the home.

Neighbours say the couple came from Jamaica and have resided at the address for around 15 years. They have three grown kids and a little grandson.

One neighbour tells CityNews the husband was always the outgoing one and she is having trouble wrapping her head around the fact he’s now charged with murdering his wife.

With files from Carl Hanstke and Shauna Hunt