M’CHIGEENG—Prince Almando Graham, a 38-year-old resident of North York, charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Brandon Brooks, who was fatally shot on April 5, 2022, on M’Chigeeng First Nation, is seeking a change in venue for his upcoming trial.
As the case unfolds, Mr. Graham’s legal defense is seeking a change of venue for his trial, citing concerns about the potential for bias in the current jurisdiction due to the high-profile nature of the case. The court has remanded the matter until January 2025 allowing both the prosecution and defense time to prepare for the next steps in the judicial process.
The incident has drawn significant attention within the Manitoulin community, highlighting ongoing concerns about violence and drug-related crime in Indigenous territories. Community leaders are calling for increased resources and support to address these critical issues, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent further tragedies.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community awaits further developments in the case, seeking justice for Brandon Brooks and resolution to the underlying issues of drug related gang activity that contribute to violence in the region.
The investigation that led to Mr. Graham’s arrest has involved a collaborative effort among multiple law enforcement agencies, including the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin Anishnaabe Police Crime Unit, the Manitoulin Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Crime Unit, the North East Region OPP Forensic Identification Service, the North East Region OPP Emergency Response Team, and the North East Region OPP Community Street Crime Unit. All operations are being conducted under the direction of the OPP’s Criminal Investigation Branch.
