Charge against Perth teen accused of killing 15-year-old upgraded to first degree murder

The individual arrested in the killing of a 15-year-old male in Perth is now charged with first degree murder.

Officers with the Lanark County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to the area of North Street North and Sherbrooke Street East on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. One teen, Reese Stanzel, was located deceased, and another teen, whose name cannot be released under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was arrested at a home in the area.

The 16-year-old suspect was initially charged with second degree murder, but the investigation has resulted in the charge being elevated to first degree murder under section 235(1) of the Criminal Code. 

The accused remains in custody with a bail hearing scheduled before the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth on Thursday, Nov. 28.

“While we cannot discuss the evidence or possible motives, the OPP asks for your patience and urges everyone to refrain from spreading unverified and potentially misleading information,” police say in a Nov. 28 media release, echoing pleas to refrain from spreading misinformation issued earlier this month.

The investigation by members of the Lanark County OPP and Lanark County OPP Crime Unit is continuing under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

Anyone with any information that could assist the investigation should contact the Lanark County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you want to remain anonymous, contact Lanark County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).