On Friday June 27, 2025, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake) Uniform Officers were called to a motel in the area of Montrose Rd and Chippawa Creek Rd, in the City of Niagara Falls following the report of an altercation in the parking lot.
Upon arrival, officers determined that two male adults had been involved in an altercation, during which time one male suffered a traumatic head injury. The victim was subsequently transported to an out-of-region hospital for treatment of his injuries.
As a result of the incident, 55-year-old Gerald Philion was initially arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault.
The 57-year-old male remained in hospital until Wednesday, October 22, 2025 when he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The NRPS Homicide Unit with members of the 2 District (Niagara Falls) detective office retained carriage of this incident.
On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, Philion appeared in court where his charges were upgraded to:
Manslaughter
Philion remains out of custody on a release order pending future court dates.
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009290.
Members of the community who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477(TIPS). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to people who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.