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.

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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)

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"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.

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