Durham Regional Police have charged a man with second-degree murder in the death of a 45-year-old mother of two and early childhood educator, identified by her family and friends as a kind, caring and beautiful person.
Authorities were called to the area of Hillman Drive and Shoal Point Road in Ajax just after 11 p.m. on March 30 for an unknown trouble.
Police located a woman suffering from obvious signs of trauma. Life-saving measures were performed, but the woman died at the scene. She has been identified as 45-year-old Jennifer Polak of Ajax.
A man, confirmed to be the victim’s partner, was arrested at the scene. Kyle Severin, 35 of Ajax, is facing a second-degree murder charge. He was held on bail.
Polak’s family and friends issued a joint statement, saying the Ajax woman loved her job as a daycare teacher and working with children.
“She brought sunshine into the lives of everyone she met. She was the devoted mother of two young men whom she adored,” the statement read in part.
“They are absorbing the news of her death with the support of their father. Her grieving parents, sister, grandmother, uncles, aunts and extended family cannot believe that she is gone. Those who knew Jenn through her work will remember that she had a vocation and a passion for working with young children.”
The statement added that the family is asking for privacy as the investigation continues.
