Northern Ont. police say suspicious death is murder, identify victim as missing man
Police in northern Ontario identified the body found shot to death in the woods last week as a missing man saying it was murder.
The body of Marcel Thoma, 30, was found in a wooded area of Egan Township, near Timmins on May 23, Ontario Provincial Police said in an update Tuesday morning.
Marcel Thoma, 30, was found shot to death in woods in Egan Township. (Facebook)
Thoma, of Petawawa, was last heard from around 6:34 p.m. May 17 in a message that said he was 30 minutes west of Matheson, OPP said.
He was driving a grey 2005 Volkswagen Jetta with the license plate CXWN343 at the time.
Last week, OPP asked the public for help finding Lucas MacDonald, 43, who is wanted by police on unrelated matters and is believed to have information about Thoma's death.
"Investigators also believe that he may be in possession of a firearm and has information regarding the death investigation," police said Tuesday.
"If located, use extreme caution, call police and do not approach."
MacDonald is described as a male who is 5-foot-8 inches tall with dark, collar-length hair with some grey, a thin, short beard, wearing a ballcap with a bandana underneath it and wrap-around sunglasses.
Ontario Provincial Police are looking for Lucas MacDonald. He is 5-foot-8, with dark collar-length hair with some grey and a thin short beard. When last seen, he was wearing a ball cap with a bandana underneath it and wrap-around sunglasses. (Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)
"The OPP reminds all members of the public to be aware of their surroundings and personal safety at all times and to call the police to report any suspicious activity," OPP said.
"Anyone with information regarding this investigation or the whereabouts of Lucas MacDonald is urged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca."
The investigation is being conducted by the South Porcupine crime unit under the direction of the OPP criminal investigation branch with help from forensic identification services, the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Tenants in 16-floor apartment building in Ottawa's west-end served eviction notices
More than 100 people in Ottawa's west-end are in the process of receiving eviction notices to vacate their 50-year-old apartment building for renovations.
WestJet cancels at least 150 flights following mechanics union strike
WestJet says it's cancelled at least 150 flights beginning Saturday after the union maintaining the airline's planes announced it went on strike hours earlier.
Health Canada recalls brand of sunscreen product due to potential fungal contamination
Double check your sunscreen products before lathering up this long weekend, as Health Canada has recalled several lots across the country.
opinion Practical tips for seniors who want to supplement their retirement income
Are you retired and looking for some ideas to help make some extra money? Personal finance contributor Christopher Liew has some tips to help you earn some income in your golden years.
As fall elections loom, are fears for the state of democracy in Canada justified?
Is Canada's democracy truly under threat? Political scientists say while Canadian politics and institutions are facing a myriad of concerns, the situation isn't dire overall.
The small French town where Newfoundlanders were heroes
It was a battle ripped from the pages of a storybook: Ten soldiers held off hundreds of German troops to save a small French village in the First World War.
Ontario woman loses $1,000 deposit in cottage rental scam
For many, the Canada Day long weekend is the official kick off of summer and many families will be spending time at a cottage.
Driver charged with DUI for New York nail salon crash that killed 4 and injured 9
A minivan slammed into a Long Island nail salon Friday, killing four people and injuring 9, a Suffolk County fire official said.
'We need new leadership': Liberal MP writes to caucus, says Justin Trudeau should resign
A sitting Liberal MP has written to the federal caucus to say he thinks Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should resign. 'For the future of our party and for the good of our country we need new leadership and a new direction,' said New Brunswick MP Wayne Long in the brief note.