Two people were found dead in a remote northern First Nation community in Ontario, sparking a homicide investigation by the provincial police. The identities of the victims and the cause of death have not been released yet.
OPP responds to a call for assistance
According to a news release from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), officers from the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service (NAPS) requested assistance from the OPP on December 31, 2023, around 9:30 a.m. The NAPS officers had discovered two bodies in a residence near the remote northern First Nation of North Caribou Lake.
The OPP’s North West Region Crime Unit, Forensic Identification Services, and the Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service are assisting with the investigation, which is being led by the OPP’s Criminal Investigation Branch.
Community in shock and grief
The First Nation of North Caribou Lake, also known as Weagamow Lake, is located about 320 kilometres north of Sioux Lookout and has a population of about 900 people. The community is accessible only by air or winter road.
The chief and council of the First Nation issued a statement on January 1, 2024, expressing their shock and grief over the tragic incident. They said they are working closely with the OPP and NAPS to ensure the safety and well-being of the community members.
They also asked for privacy and respect for the families of the victims and the community as a whole. They said they are grateful for the support and prayers they have received from other First Nations and organizations.
No arrests made yet
The OPP said they are treating the deaths as a homicide and are appealing to anyone with information to contact them at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. They said they will provide updates as the investigation progresses.
No arrests have been made yet and no suspects have been identified. The OPP said they do not believe there is any threat to public safety at this time.
