Barely six months into 2022, Thunder Bay has surpassed last years total number of murders by two.
In 2021, the City recorded 6 homicides, and so far this year, there have already been eight confirmed by Thunder Bay Police.
Detective Inspector Jeremy Pearson of Major Crimes says the investigation in the latest case indicates that there is a connection to the illicit drug trade.
He went on to say that investigators are keeping an open mind regarding motive.
Pearson notes, “We’re not targeting those who are using or suffering from substance misuse disorders. We’re targeting the traffickers and having tremendous success in doing that.”
He also went on to say that with such a high demand for drugs here and with being so far from the Greater Toronto Area, prices increase exponentially which means that dealers have the opportunity to make thousands of dollars off the backs of those with addictions.
There were two murders in Thunder Bay over the past week to bring the total up to eight.
The body of 28-year-old John Mark Reuben was found last Friday morning near Vickers Street North.
24-year-old Joseph Hubbard of Thunder Bay faces a charge of Second-Degree Murder.
Meantime, a 19-year-old man died of his injuries in hospital after he was found Saturday in a Crown Street home.
Police say 29-year-old Jamel Anthony Evans of Toronto is in custody.
Police also arrested 18-year-old Daniel Keefe on a charge of Second-Degree Murder.
(With files from Katie Nicholls and Kevin Jeffrey)
