NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
**********************
Further to the earlier arrests, on Friday March 15, 2024, detectives with the Homicide Unit have made another arrest in relation to this incident.
The following person was also charged with one count of second degree murder, contrary to Section 235(1) of the Criminal Code:
- Eric Smoke, 25 years, of Hamilton
At the time of his arrest, Smoke was in custody on an unrelated matter.
On March 15, 2024, Smoke took part in a bail hearing at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.
Smoke is the ninth person charged in relation to this homicide investigation.
Investigation into this matter remains ongoing.
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.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
Update No. 3 – March 1
Further to the earlier arrests, on Friday March 1, 2024, detectives with the Homicide Unit have made another arrest in relation to this incident.
The following person was also charged with one count of second degree murder, contrary to Section 235(1) of the Criminal Code:
- Julio Zari-Torres, 44 years, of Pelham
Zari-Torres is scheduled to appear for a bail hearing at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in the City of St. Catharines on Saturday March 2, 2024.
Investigation into this matter remains ongoing.
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.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
Update No. 2 – Feb. 23, 2024
Further to the two arrests made on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, detectives with the Homicide Unit have made five additional arrests in relation to this incident.
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
All appeared at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in the City of St. Catharines on Feb. 23, 2024.
Investigation into this matter remains ongoing.
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.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
Update No. 1 – Feb. 21, 2024
This incident has remained under investigation by detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service Homicide Unit.
As a result, following a lengthy investigation through continued cooperation with the Niagara Detention Centre, two (2) suspects have been arrested and charged in relation to this incident.
The following persons are facing one count of second degree murder, contrary to Section 235(1) of the Criminal Code:
- Jeremy Lowes-Kennedy, 19 years, of Welland
- Kelvin Justin Bascus, 39 years, of St. Catharines
Both are currently being held in custody pending a bail hearing on Feb. 22, 2024, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in the City of St. Catharines.
Investigation into this matter remains ongoing.
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.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
Original Release – June 14, 2023
On Saturday, June 10, 2023, 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) uniform officers were called to the Niagara Detention Centre at approximately 6:30am in response to a medical/emergency call for service.
When they arrived, along with Niagara Emergency Medical Services (NEMS) paramedics, they located a 52-year-old male inmate who was without vital signs.
First Aid/CPR was commenced before the male was pronounced deceased.
This investigation remains on-going by members of the Niagara Regional Police Service Homicide Unit, with no information to suggest a risk to the public.
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.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
***********************
