WIIKWEMKOONG—Two Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory (WUT) men have been shot and killed in an incident that took place in the late hours of Sunday, June 18. A third person was also shot during the incident and was taken to hospital with non-life life threatening injuries.
Three people have been arrested in the shooting, one from the Greater Toronto Area and two Island residents.
The Wiikwemkoong Tribal Police, assisted by the UCCM Anishnaabe Police and the Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police were still on the scene of the incident as of press deadline Monday.
According to an OPP press release, upon arrival, police learned that three people sustained gunshot wounds and the suspect had fled the scene. Two people have died as a result of their injuries. One person remains in hospital.
The OPP release goes on to inform the public that a shelter in place of safety was initiated and lifted shortly after 7 am on June 19.
As a result of the investigation, three people have been arrested and remain in custody.
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 cocaine; and trafficking in other controlled drugs. Terrence Recollect, 54, and Sherri Pitawanakwat, 33, both of Wikwemikong Unceded Territory, 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 cocaine; and trafficking in other drugs.
The three accused were scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on June 19.
This is the second fatal shooting incident in Wiikwemkoong this year. A 25-year-old Wiikwemkoong man was killed at a house party incident in February of this year.
A community-wide lockdown took place early Monday morning with all schools and WUT-operated offices closed. The lockdown was lifted at 6:07 am Monday.
There is a community sacred fire burning at the Medicine Lodge located at the Wiikwemkoong Health Centre.
Those in need of help during this time are encouraged to reach out to the Mnidoo Mnising Mental Wellness Crisis Response team by calling 705-348-1937.
The Expositor reported Monday morning it had learned of unofficial reports that four people had been shot and killed in the early morning tragedy with one more injured. This newspaper learned that the numbers first reported were incorrect and made the corrections online. The Expositor regrets any hardship this may have caused to the families involved and to the community.
