Wilmot man charged in death of Viola Erb (update)

Waterloo Regional Police have confirmed the arrest of a Wilmot man in relation to the death of Viola Erb. 

That 39-year-old suspect has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

Regional police confirm that suspect had a brief court appearance on Thursday, and will be held in custody until returning to court on October 19. 

The lawyer of the accused identified his client as Erick Buhr – and confirmed Buhr is also charged with breaching the terms of a conditional sentence. 

A publication ban is in place for the court proceedings. 

In a release sent to CityNews, the Erb Group of Companies identified Erick Buhr as Viola Erb's grandson – and a former employee.

The company also indicated that privacy laws forbid them from sharing other details. 

“As you might expect, this is a highly difficult and emotional time for the family,” reads the statement from the Erb Group. “They wish to thank those who have offered their support and prayers during this difficult time.”

Police announced on Wednesday that their investigation into Erb's death was upgraded from a suspicious death investigation to homicide. 

The 88-year-old was found dead at a home on Sandhills Road over the weekend, as emergency crews responded to a reported medical call. 

Erb's cause of death is still not known at this time. 

Viola Erb is well known in the Baden community and beyond, co-founding Erb Transport Limited alongside her late husband Vernon in 1959. 

A funeral service for Erb will be held on Monday morning at the Steinmann Mennonite Church in Baden, to be live streamed for those who are unable to attend in person.