The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary responded to the Waterford Valley area of St. John’s on the report of a deceased man in the area. 

The 68-year-old man was located near a trail which runs between Waterford Bridge Road and Topsail Road, and police have now said his death was a homicide. The cause of death and victim’s identity has not been released.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and Criminal Investigation Division are still investigating the events that led to the man’s death, and whether or not the individuals were known to each other.

Anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage from Saturday, May 29, 2021, between 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm in the area of Topsail Road, from Cowan Avenue to Hamlyn Road. Investigators also seek the same video footage  on Sunday, May 30, 2021, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Waterford Bridge Road, between Bay Bulls Road and Cowan Avenue, is asked to contact police at 729-8000.

Update, on July 8th the RNC identified the victim as Michael King of St. John’s.

Update October 25th
According to CBC the RNC has a suspect in the death of a man on a west-end St. John’s trail in May, but needs more time to process the evidence. Police believe the 26-year-old male suspect was associated to the items leading up to, and after the murder.

Update February 7th 2022
As a result of the investigation, the RNC Major Crime Unit (MCU) has issued a Canada-wide warrant of arrest for 26-year-old Sheldon Sean HIBBS in relation to the murder of the 68-year-old male. The last known location for HIBBS was in Alberta, Canada.

Police said Hibbs has several tattoos, some of the more notable tattoos include a butterfly tattoo on his left hand, a switchblade on his right jaw, “Truth Hurts” above his right eye, roses on his throat area, and tattoos on his knuckles.

The RNC MCU request that anyone with information to assist in locating HIBBS contact the RNC at 729-8000.

Update March 13
Sheldon Hibbs was arrested in Calgary shortly after 2 p.m on March 11th.