Hamilton Police have arrested a male in connection with the double homicide of a Dundas couple in July 2018.

At approximately 3:45 a.m. on July 9, 2018, Carla and Alan Rutherford’s residence at 8 Greening Court in Dundas was intentionally set on fire by an unknown perpetrator. Carla and Alan were asleep in their home at the time.

Carla was unable to escape the blaze and succumbed to her injuries. Alan was able to escape the fire, but not before trying to save his wife and family dogs. Alan was gravely injured and was transported to hospital by EMS with life-threatening injuries. He died hours later.

After a lengthy investigation by the Hamilton Police Service, with the assistance of the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, police arrested 42-year-old Richard Taylor from Oakville without incident. He was arrested on January 23, 2019, and charged with two counts of First Degree Murder in the deaths of his mother and his stepfather.

Richard Taylor had a first court appearance today at the John Sopinka Courthouse located at 45 Main St. E. in Hamilton. Hamilton Police are not seeking any other individual in relation to this crime and believe the murder of Richard Taylor's mother and stepfather was financially motivated.

This was a complicated and lengthy investigation, including the execution of over 25 judicial authorizations. Hamilton Police ask that the media respect the family’s privacy as they continue to mourn the tragic death of their parents and process the arrest of their sibling.

Anyone with more information in this case is encouraged to contact Detective Ben Adams of the Major Crime Unit at 905-546-3836 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submitting anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com