The 2023 Ontario Homicide Victim List is available here

1 District uniform officers were called to the Niagara Detention Centre at approximately 6:30am on June 10, 2023 in response to a medical/emergency.

On arrival Police and paramedics located a 52-year-old male inmate who was without vital signs. First Aid/CPR was commenced before the male was pronounced deceased.

As a result of the investigation Police announced on February 21st that two suspects have been arrested and charged in relation to the death. Jeremy LOWES-KENNEDY, 19 years of Welland, and Kelvin Justin BASCUS, 39 years of St. Catharines have both been charged Second Degree Murder.

Both are currently being held in custody pending a bail hearing on February 22, 2024, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in the City of St. Catharines.

Update February 23rd: The following persons were also charged with one count of Second-Degree Murder, contrary to Section 235(1) of the Criminal Code:

–          Joshua LEBLANC, 29 years of Welland

–          Tyler PELIKAN, 23 years of Welland

–          Shaun ST DENIS, 44 years of Welland

–          Ju-Ron FERTILIEN, 23 years of St. Catharines

–          Zachary DURANT, 28 years of Niagara Falls

Update on Friday March 1, 2024, detectives with the Homicide Unit have made another arrest in relation to this incident. Julio ZARI-TORRES, 44 years of Pelham was also charged with one count of Second-Degree Murder.

Update March 25th: A 25-year-old Hamilton man has charged with murder. Police say the man was already in custody when he was charged with second degree murder.

Anyone who may have information in relation to this incident is encouraged to contact the lead detective at 905-688-4111, option #3, badge #1009533.