Charges have been upgraded following an investigation into a suspicious death in Deer Lake First Nation.
Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) officers responded to a report of a person in medical distress on July 16, at a residence on Nursing Station Road in Deer Lake First Nation.
Arriving on scene, police located Lee Conroy KAKEKAGUMICK, age 37 of Deer Lake First Nation, deceased inside the home.
Following an investigation between NAPS officers and members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Lenroy KAKEGAMIC, age 35 of Deer Lake First Nation was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault, contrary to section 268 of the Criminal Code.
As a result of a post-mortem examination, completed on July 20, 2022, at the Centre of Forensic Sciences in Toronto, the accused now faces a charge of First-degree murder, contrary to sec. 235(1) of the Criminal Code.
The investigation, by members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service and the OPP North West Region Crime Unit, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, is continuing in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service. Additional assistance has been provided by the OPP Forensic Identification Services Unit, Canine Unit, Emergency Response Team and the Provincial Liaison Team.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or access their website at ontariocrimestoppers.ca where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.