THUNDER BAY – Police have identified a person of interest in the death of Marlan Chookomolin, one year after the 25-year-old was found grievously injured on a north side recreational trail.
Chookomolin was found unresponsive on a pathway behind County Fair that runs parallel to the Thunder Bay Expressway near the Dawson Road intersection just after midnight on June 25, 2017. He was taken off life support the next night.
Ron Chookomolin said the family was notified on Monday by a Thunder Bay Police Service detective that the investigation had possibly found a lead.
“It’s been very emotional for the family and it’s a waiting process with Thunder Bay police gathering information and interviewing witnesses,” he said on Tuesday.
“It seems to be a back and forth, witness to witness, with different statements. They’ve narrowed that gap and I hope it comes to an end. It’s looking positive on our end.”
Police confirmed they have identified a person of interest, the first time they have publicly suggested foul play is being considered a factor.
Chookomolin has maintained his belief that Marlan’s death was a homicide.
Last July – nearly one month after Marlan was found – Chookomolin launched a public awareness campaign to urge members of the public with information to come forward to help with the investigation, which included distributing posters.
At the time Chookomolin said he was not being updated by investigating officers but said that situation has since improved.
“In the early stages of the case it was difficult but now that they are working with the family and answering our questions and messages we left many times they get back to us and schedule one-on-one meetings,” Chookomolin said.
Chookomolin said he has been bitter at times as he has tried to find answers about the death of his son, who was enrolled at Confederation College to start classes in September to pursue a reporting career.
“He was very athletic. He was a caring person and he had goals to be a journalist and to be an investigative reporter,” Chookomolin said of his son. “His background was talking to a lot of homeless people and that’s what got him into journalism, what poverty is like on the streets.”
