Newly Retired Toronto Cop Charged In Wife’s Death

He spent the majority of his adult life in uniform, serving and protecting the citizens ofToronto.  But now he’s accused of killing the one person he was closest to.

Police have formally charged ex-Toronto cop, Larry Ryan (top left), 58, in the slaying of his wife of 30 years.

Susan Ryan, a well-known Mississauga real estate agent, was found dead in her Burnhamthorpe and Cawthra-area home Sunday morning. According to reports, the 57-year-old woman had been shot.

“We received a call to a residence for a report of a disturbance,” explained P.C. Samantha Nulle of Peel Regional Police. “Our officers attended the scene and located a female victim who was deceased.”

Ryan was allegedly inside the home at the time and was taken to hospital with minor injuries. The recently retired Toronto police officer was subsequently arrested and on Monday police charged him with second-degree murder.

There’s no word on a motive.

News of his arrest shocked those who knew the one-time cop-turned-murder suspect.

“He was just like a big teddy bear, that’s the way I would describe him,” said family friend Lynn.  “Total shock that something like this would happen.”

Married more than 30 years, the Ryans were well known in the community.

“We just lost a great person,” Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion recalls. “And she had inspired people because she was so bubbly about it, you know, ‘Let’s get going. Let’s get things done.’

“I knew Sue very well because of her involvement in the community and so many organizations and worthy causes, so I just feel we’ve lost a great volunteer.

“This is a sad day for Mississauga.”

Vince Santoro, a friend of the couple, said he was at their home Friday. “Just having a few drinks, smoking a cigar … just talking,” Santoro said.

Area resident Kim Smith adds, “It’s very surprising. She is very dedicated to the community. We’ve seen them together, we’ve been to their house and they’re happy. They’re an old married couple (that’s) very happy.”

Ryan’s death marks Peel Region’s 25th murder of the year, and a post-mortem will be conducted Tuesday. The accused was held in custody until his court date, which was set for November 17th.

 Anyone with information in the case should call Peel Police at 905-453-2121 x 3205 or Crime Stoppers at 905-222-TIPS (8477).