WIIKWEMKOONG—The police have now released the names of the two shooting death victims in the incident that took place in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on June 18. The names of the three persons arrested have also been released.
The Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has identified the two people who died as a result of the shooting in Wiikwemkoong. The deceased victims have been identified as 44-year-old Lucius Jacko and 39-year-old Robert Wemigwans, both of Wiikwemkoong. Three people sustained gunshot wounds and two of the victims died as a result of their injuries. The third victim was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and was later released.
On June 18, shortly after 11 pm, members of the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS), the Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin Anishnaabe Police (UCCM) responded to a shooting in Wiikwemkoong.
Upon arrival police learned that three people sustained gunshot wounds and the suspects fled the scene. A shelter in place of safety was initiated and lifted shortly after 7 am on June 19.
Jahsiah Simpson, 19, of Toronto was charged with two counts of first degree murder, possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000, trafficking in schedule one substance, cocaine and trafficking in schedule one substance, other drugs.
Terrence Recollet, 54 and Sherri Pitawanakwat, 33, both of Wiikwemkoong were charged with two counts of accessory after the fact to murder, possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000, trafficking in schedule one substance, cocaine, and trafficking in schedule one substance, other drugs.
The three accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on June 19 and were remanded into custody. No date for their follow-up appearances was available as of press deadline.
The OPP Manitoulin Crime Unit, OPP Northeast Region Forensic Identification Services, OPP Aviation Services, OPP Canine Unit, OPP North East Region Emergency Response Team, OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit, UCCM Police and WTPS are continuing this investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch.
The OPP is appealing to anyone who may have observed suspicious activity related to this case to call the Opp at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit information online at ontariocrimestoppes.ca where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
