THUNDER BAY - Police continue to hold the scene at an Arundel Street residence as the investigation into the city’s seventh homicide this year remains in the early stages.
Thunder Bay Police Service, Superior North EMS, and Thunder Bay Fire Rescue were called to an Arundel Street home Wednesday at approximately 2 p.m. after receiving reports of a death.
Emergency crews located 41-year-old Nazareth Andrew Kwandibens and attempts were made to resuscitate him. The Major Crimes Unit with Thunder Bay Police determined the death to a homicide shortly after.
That same day, 40-year-old Johnathon Mark McKay was arrested at the scene and charged with second-degree murder. McKay appeared in court Thursday and was remanded into custody with a future court date of Dec. 11.
Thunder Bay Police Det. Sgt. Tracy Lewis said the death of Kwandibens was determined to be a homicide based on the information investigators have received so far.
“We cannot give further information on the cause of death because the scene is still being held,” she said. “We are still investigating. It is so quickly within the last 24 hours and we are still pending post mortem results on the cause of death.”
A post-mortem examination will take place in Toronto but a date has not yet been scheduled.
Lewis did confirm that Kwandibens and McKay were known to each other.
Police will continue to hold the scene on Arundel Street until the completion of the post-mortem examination.
Lewis said there are no other suspects or persons of interest in relation to this investigation at this time, but police are appealing to the public for any information that may relate to this incident.
“We had uniform in the criminal investigation branch working very quickly on it,” she said. “We’ve had cooperation with the neighbors during the canvas, but of course, as always, if we can get any information from the public they are welcome to call 684-1200 or Crime Stoppers.”
“There could always be other information that comes forward,” Lewis continued. “Investigators always look at what was happening with the victim prior, who were they with, other residents they might have been at, who they communicate with. All that information we are still gathering and we always ask for assistance from the public.”
