Murder charges laid in Wikwemikong man’s death
WIKWEMIKONG—Murder charges have been laid by the police involving the death of 45 year-old Frank Osawamick, of Wikwemikong.
Julius Trudeau, 48, also of Wikwemikong has been charged with secondary degree murder, contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada. The Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service, with assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) North East Region Crime Unit and the OPP Forensic Identification Services Unit (FISU), under the direction of OPP Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB) Acting Detective Inspector Mark Zulinski, are continuing the investigation into the death of the Wikwemikong man which occurred on the Unceded Territory of Wikwemikong.
On the afternoon of Sunday, February 28, 2016, Wikwemikong Tribal Police were called to the Wikwemikong Way apartment complex in Wikwemikong where they discovered the deceased, Frank Osawamick. Unconfirmed reports indicated Mr. Osawamick was stabbed.
The police have confirmed the two men were acquaintances and that there is no concern for public safety after the result of this incident in Wikwemikong.
Following a bail hearing on Monday, Mr. Trudeau has been ordered held in custody until his next court appearance at the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on March 10, 2016.
Police continue to conduct cottage property checks
LITTLE CURRENT—The Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) continues to conduct property checks of seasonal residents by snowmobile and patrol vehicle in an effort to prevent property crime.
Property owners can do their part by making their cottages as theft resistant as possible, explains the OPP. Remove valuable items, or lock them out of sight. These items may include electronics and tools. The OPP recommends you: remove alcohol from seasonal residences; do not leave boats, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) or other vehicles out in the open and unsecured; lock them up in a garage and remove the key. If you must leave them outside, lock them to a tree or some other permanent structure. Drain the fuel tanks and take used fuel away; do not leave gas cans as it may be used to steal your boat or ATV. It also reduces the risk of a fire on your property; use quality locks including dead bolts on doors and windows. A simple piece of wood will secure sliding doors and sliding windows and cover window openings to prevent a view of the interior.
Tell neighbours that the seasonal home is vacant, recommends the OPP. Permanent residents living close by can be your eyes and ears when you are not there. If your area has neighbourhood watch advise the block captain when you are leaving for the winter. For more information check the crime prevention section on the OPP website at www.opp.ca.
Break and enters are crimes of opportunity. The OPP is asking the public to be vigilant and to report suspicious activity around these vacant properties. Take time to note the time of day, vehicle description including license plate and a physical description and clothing of any individual observed. Timely reporting of this type of activity to your local OPP detachment will allow police to quickly determine if further investigation is required.
Securing property and reporting suspicious activity may reduce the opportunity for criminals. Anyone with information regarding break and enters or other crimes should immediately contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or their nearest police authority.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit information online at www.tipsubmit.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
