London, Ont., Man Charged After Woman’s Body Found in Garbage Bags

A London, Ontario man has been charged after the body of a 37-year-old woman was discovered behind an apartment building in the city’s core.

According to police, the body of Jessica Rose Bakker, a mother of four, was found on February 17, 2026, at approximately 1:30 p.m. in the area of King and Maitland streets.

Investigators allege the woman’s body had been placed inside garbage bags and left beside a dumpster at the rear of 450 King St., where the accused resides.

Rondell Joseph Jones, 55, has been charged with improper or indecent interference with a dead body. Police allege the body was left at the location sometime between February 4 and February 17.

Jones was arrested on Sunday and appeared in court the following day. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to return to court later this week.

Discovery Behind Apartment Building

Residents reported a significant police presence in the area following the discovery, with officers remaining on scene for more than a day. Authorities canvassed the building, speaking with tenants and asking whether anyone had seen or heard anything unusual.

One resident said the dumpster area is frequently accessed by individuals searching for recyclables and that the building’s security cameras may not have been functioning at the time.

Police removed the dumpster as part of the investigation and later replaced it.

Investigators have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding Bakker’s death. The charge laid relates specifically to interference with a dead body, and no additional charges have been announced at this time.

The investigation remains ongoing.