On Saturday June 8, 2024, 8 District (Lincoln/West Lincoln/Grimsby) uniform officers were called to the area of Nineteenth Street and Seventh Avenue in the Town of Lincoln following the report of a deceased female.

The victim had been identified as 27-year-old Jessica Lynn St. Jules of Hamilton. Police said Jessica is known to have connections in the Hamilton and Halton area.  The cause of death is unknown at this time.

A gofundme campaign has been created to help the family with funeral expenses.

Investigators have determined that Jessica was last seen getting into a vehicle at approximately 4:20 am on Saturday, June 8, 2024, near the Hamilton Public Library, located at 571 Barton Street East in the City of Hamilton.

The vehicle is described as a 2018-2020 Dodge Grand Caravan, granite in colour.

Niagara police are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect. Further review of CCTV footage has identified a male driver, with a larger build wearing a distinctive red top with a white stripe.

He was observed driving a 2018-2020 Dodge Grand Caravan, “Premium Plus SXT” in the Barton Street area in the early morning hours of Saturday June 8, 2024.

Jessica was discovered deceased in a rural area of the Town of Lincoln later that day.

The driver of the vehicle is encouraged to seek legal counsel and turn themselves into police.

Update:
On Tuesday July 2, 2024, 20-year-old Pedro Benitez Leal of Hamilton was arrested and charged with Second degree murder, contrary to section 235(1) of the Criminal Code

Benitez Leal is currently being held in custody pending a bail hearing on Wednesday July 3, 2024, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in the City of St. Catharines.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.