Police identify Port Perry homicide victim as investigation continues

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: A 32-year-old Port Perry man has been identified as the victim of a homicide which has shaken the community, with Durham Regional Police charging another local man with second-degree murder.

Taylor John Frey was found with traumatic injuries, near the intersection of Water and Mary streets, shortly before 8 a.m., on Tuesday, October 6th. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Ryan Bullock, 33, of Port Perry, was arrested, at approximately 2:30 p.m. the same day, without incident. He has been charged with second-degree murder and was held for a bail hearing.

The charge has not been proven in court, and Mr. Bullock is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Mr. Frey’s death marks Durham Region’s fourth homicide of 2026.

Police have described the incident as isolated and said, there is no ongoing concern for public safety.

News of the death has left residents struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, in a community more accustomed to seeing its downtown as a gathering place than the scene of a homicide.

“Yesterday was a very sad day for Scugog as we learned of the passing of a young man in our downtown community,” Mayor Wilma Wotten said, in a statement.

Mayor Wotten said, her thoughts were with Mr. Frey’s family and loved ones, asking their privacy be respected as they grieve.

She also acknowledged the impact on downtown residents, business owners and others who may be feeling shocked and saddened by the news.

“Scugog is a close-knit and caring community,” Mayor Wotten said, expressing confidence residents would continue to come together and support one another.

For longtime downtown resident Susie Brown, the incident was unlike anything she could recall in decades of living in the area.

“I’ve lived here my whole life, a long time, and since the bank robbery in the ’90s, this is the first time I can remember something like this happening,” Ms. Brown said.

Ms. Brown said, she was heading to work when she encountered flashing lights and a heavy police presence.

“I’m glad they caught someone, and hopefully, it’s a long time before something like this happens here again,” she said.

Port Perry resident, Tyler Morrow said, the news was particularly difficult because he knew Mr. Frey.

“My heart breaks for the victim and his family. We knew each other a little bit, and I can’t believe this happened,” Mr. Morrow said.

“Hopefully, there’s justice in this case, and more of the details come out. I know this is still a great town, it’s just shocking.”

Durham Regional Police Service’s Homicide Unit continues to ask anyone with information about the investigation, including surveillance footage from the area, to contact Det. Brian Stewart, at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 5416.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers, at 1-800-222-8477 or through www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.