The Correctional Service of Canada has launched an investigation after a federal offender who was out on statutory release was arrested in the murder of a Toronto woman back in December.
First-degree murder charges were laid against Ashton Drysdale on Jan. 24, 2026 in connection with the death of Jolan Kun, a 79-year-old Toronto woman who was found dead in an apartment near St. Clair Avenue West and Rushton Road on Dec. 9, 2025.
At the time of the homicide, members of the Ontario Provincial Police Service’s Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (R.O.P.E.) squad were searching for Drysdale after he allegedly breached the conditions of his parole in March 2025. According to a news release sent out by the OPP last year, Drysdale was serving an eight-year, 10-month sentence for robbery and weapons offences.
In a statement, the CSC said Drysdale was released from prison on August 21, 2024.
The OPP confirmed to CP24 that Drysdale was considered unlawfully at large as of March 15, 2025.
“Protecting the safety and security of our communities remains the top priority for the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC). To achieve this goal, CSC strives to gradually release and safely reintegrate federal offenders through structured community supervision,” the CSC’s statement read.
“This includes statutory release, which is mandated by law, for offenders to serve the final third of their sentence in the community under supervision.”
‘Serious and tragic charges’
The CSC said in light of the charges that have been laid against Drysdale, a review will now be conducted.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Jolan Kun during this difficult time. We are aware of the charges that have been laid against Ashton Drysdale and that he is in custody,” the CSC’s statement continued.
“Realizing the serious and tragic charges that have been laid, it is important that it be thoroughly reviewed to fully examine the circumstances around what happened.”
The CSC said it will “not hesitate to implement any measures” that will “further enhance public safety” at the conclusion of the investigation.
“As this case is before the courts and there is an ongoing police investigation, we are unable to comment further,” the statement concluded.
Drysdale is one of two men who have been charged in connection with the homicide. Kaream Hines, 38, of Toronto, also faces one count of first-degree murder.
The charges have not yet been tested in court.
