THUNDER BAY – A preliminary hearing is now underway for two brothers accused in the 2022 death of 37-year-old Rusty James Russow.
Travis Loon and Harley Loon appeared before Justice Frank Valente in a Thunder Bay courtroom on Tuesday for the start of the preliminary hearing on charges of first-degree murder.
A preliminary hearing is part of the judicial process to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. There is a publication ban in place on all evidence presented at the hearing.
Travis Loon, 31, was first arrested on Nov. 22, 2022, following an investigation into an incident on the city’s north side the night of November 17.
First responders were called to a residence in the 200 block of Pearl Street for what was described at the time as ‘unknown trouble.’
Police located a deceased male who was later identified as Russow. Further investigation revealed that Russow likely died three days earlier on November 14.
Harley Loon was arrested on Nov. 24, 2022 and was identified by police as Travis Loon’s brother. The two men were charged with first-degree murder.
Investigators said at the time that the incident was not random but could not provide further details.
The preliminary hearing is scheduled for five days with the Crown expected to call 11 witnesses to testify.
Harley and Travis Loon remain in custody.
