THUNDER BAY - The death of an 18-year-old Thunder Bay man whose body was found near the Marina Park Overpass has been ruled a homicide by police.
On Sunday, Aug. 6, Thunder Bay police were called to the area of McVicar Creek near the Marina Park Overpass where Brayden Moonias was found deceased.
Police ruled the death suspicious after an initial investigation and continued to hold the scene.
In a media release issued Thursday morning, Thunder Bay Police said following a post mortem examination that was conducted in Toronto on Wednesday, Aug. 9, Moonias’ death has been deemed a homicide.
According to police, the details of the post mortem examination will not be disclosed to the public and the crime scene near Marina Park has been released.
"That is pretty standard in homicide investigations not to get into any detail," said Thunder Bay Police Service spokesperson, Chris Adams. "It allows investigators to hold back evidence which allows them to filter any information they get in."
The Thunder Bay Police Criminal investigation branch continues to investigate and asks anyone with information to call police at 684-1200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. A special tip line has also been set up for this case at 684-5000.
"It’s really critical in these types of incidents that if anyone was in the vicinity or had any knowledge that would have involved Brayden or any of his life or activity that may help police that it’s important for them to come forward," Adams said.
A 52-year-old man was also found with serious injuries in the vicinity of McVicar Creek and the Marina Park Overpass at roughly the same time. Police said on Thursday that the case is now being investigated as an assault.
The man remains in hosptial being treated for his injuries. Adams said the two incidents are being investigated separately.
"Investigators will look at any connection if there is any," he said. "Even though they are similar in times and location, they have to be investigated separately just to see where that evidence goes and where it leads investigators."
This is Thunder Bay's fifth confirmed homicide in 2017 and the second death to occur in the area of McVicar Creek in as many months.
