Whitby man who confessed murdering estranged wife on social media found guilty

A Whitby, Ontario man has been found guilty of murdering his estranged wife, Latonya Anderson, just days before her 35th birthday. Troy Moulton was convicted of second-degree murder following a judge-alone trial in March. The fatal incident occurred on November 4, 2023, at the home Anderson shared with her son, mother, and brother.

Following the attack, Moulton posted a confession on social media, writing, “Am sorry for killing her, I love her and I can’t imagine her with a next man.” Anderson was strangled to death by Moulton. Her 12-year-old son reportedly heard the altercation between his parents and later discovered his mother deceased.

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Am sorry for killing her, I love her and I can’t imagine her with a next man.

Moulton's actions after the murder included leaving the residence, making a wire transfer to Jamaica, posting the social media message, and then contacting Durham Regional Police to surrender. He provided an 80-minute statement detailing the events of that night.

During the trial, Moulton claimed the killing was an accident, stating he didn't intend to kill Anderson and only realized she wasn't moving after holding her close to prevent her from leaving so he could talk to her. However, Superior Court Justice Lisa Wannamaker rejected this account in her judgment. She concluded that Moulton intended to kill Anderson or cause her serious bodily harm, acting recklessly about the outcome.

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He was upset with Ms. Anderson. He was extremely unhappy that, in his mind, she was starting a new relationship with another man and she was doing so right in front of him.

The judge noted Moulton's distress over Anderson potentially starting a new relationship, particularly as her birthday approached. Wannamaker stated, "He wanted her to change her mind and, if she had given him comfort, he would not have been sitting in a police station, meaning Ms. Anderson would not be dead. It was simply too much for Mr. Moulton to bear... so he put his hands on her. He did so intentionally and with malice in his mind. He held her around her throat and squeezed for 5 minutes, until it was done."

The sentencing for second-degree murder mandates life imprisonment. The primary remaining decision for the judge is to determine the period of parole ineligibility, which can range from 10 to 25 years. Assistant Crown attorney Tammy D’Eri has requested a 20-year parole ineligibility period, citing the aggravating circumstances of the case, including the presence of Anderson's son during the incident.

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He wanted her to change her mind and, if she had given him comfort, he would not have been sitting in a police station, meaning Ms. Anderson would not be dead. It was simply too much for Mr. Moulton to bear... so he put his hands on her. He did so intentionally and with malice in his mind. He held her around her throat and squeezed for 5 minutes, until it was done.