A 25-year-old man is dead and an 18-year-old is a facing first-degree murder charge as a result following a shooting on Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Feb. 19.
Shortly before 1:40 a.m. that day, members of the Wikwemikong Tribal Police, the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and the Sagamok Detachment of the Anishinabek Police Service responded to a shooting on Hills Trail, OPP said in a news release.
“Upon arrival, police learned that one person had been shot and that the suspect had fled the scene,” police said.
“Brandon Trudeau Pheasant, 25 years of age, from Wikwemikong Unceded Territory, has died as a result of his injuries. A shelter in place of safety was temporarily initiated until the arrest was made.”
Police have arrested and charged an 18-year-old from M’Chigeeng First Nation with the murder.
The teen was remanded into custody to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on Feb. 21.
The OPP Manitoulin Crime Unit, OPP North East Region Emergency Response Team, OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit, OPP North East Region Forensic Identification Services, and the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service are continuing this investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, OPP said.
“Investigators believe this was an isolated incident and there are no concerns for public safety.”
Police are asking anyone who may have observed suspicious activity related to this case to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. You may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit information online where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.A