(PIKANGIKUM FIRST NATION, ON) – On September 15, 2014 at approximately 1:45am (CST) officers with Pikangikum Police responded to information regarding an injured male lying on a trail near BB’s Road in Pikangikum First Nation. When police arrived at that location they found a non-responsive male. The male was transported to the nursing station by police and was subsequently pronounced dead.
The victim was identified as 18-year-old Jethro Felix KEEPER of Pikangikum First Nation. A post mortem examination took place in Kenora on September 16, 2014. The results of the examination are not being released at this time.
On September 20, 2014 two young persons from the community of Pikangikum First Nation were arrested. One 17-year-old male was charged with Assault with a Weapon x 2 and Second Degree Murder in relation to the death of Jethro KEEPER.
A second 17-year-old male from Pikangikum is also facing offence-related charges of Assault with a Weapon x 4.
Both males were remanded into custody and are to appear in the Kenora Ontario Court of Justice – Provincial Division on September 22, 2014.
Pikangikum Police with the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) North West Region Crime Unit under the direction of Detective Inspector Randy Heida of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.
Anyone with information in relation to the investigation is asked to contact Pikangikum Police at (807) 773-5007 or the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.