Death connected to Perth’s Last Duel Park incident ruled homicide: OPP

The investigation into the Sunday, April 12 incident at Last Duel Park in Perth is continuing, and Lanark OPP say the death has now been ruled a homicide.

Police have also identified the deceased, but say the name will be withheld until the next of kin can be notified.

On Sunday, at about 3:15 p.m., officers responded to Last Duel Park, and located one person with life-threatening injuries. The victim was transported to a trauma centre and later pronounced deceased.

Police say they believe this incident was targeted, and there are no signs of a broader threat.

The park has reopened, and there is no longer a heavy police presence in the area; however, OPP are continuing to investigate and are actively monitoring the situation. 

Provincial Constable Corey Noonan confirmed for Lanarkist that no arrests have been made as of Wednesday morning, but would not say whether there are currently any suspects or whether an arrest(s) is expected soon. He also confirmed that contrary to online rumours, no minors are involved in this incident that police know of.

This investigation is being conducted by the Lanark County OPP, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service. Assistance is being provided by the OPP Emergency Response Team, OPP Forensic Identification Services and the OPP East Region Regional Support Team.

Anyone with any information regarding this investigation should immediately contact the Lanark County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca. 

Further information will be released as it becomes available.