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UPDATE: Police release name of victim in Welland murder probe

Officers arrived on scene with Niagara Emergency Medical Services and located an adult male with life threatening injuries
Village Media
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Niagara Regional Police Service file photoBernard Lansbergen/ThoroldToday

NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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UPDATE:

Detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service Homicide Unit continue to investigate the death of an adult male in the City of Welland on Tuesday Sept. 17, 2024.

Investigators have identified the male as 24-year-old Mathew Theal of Welland.

Residents can expect a continued police presence in the area while Homicide detectives and the Forensic Services Unit continue the investigation.  

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009417 with any relevant information.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.  Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

On Tuesday Sept. 17, 2024, at approximately 10:30 a.m., 3 District (Welland/Fonthill) Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) officers attended a residence in the area of Broadway and Pietz Avenue in the City of Welland in response to an assist ambulance call.

Officers arrived on scene with Niagara Emergency Medical Services and located an adult male with life threatening injuries. The male was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. 

Sommer E. Etherden, 19 years old, of Welland was arrested and charged with the following offence:

- Second degree murder contrary to section 235(1) of the Criminal Code

The NRPS Homicide Unit has taken carriage of the investigation. Area residents can expect a continued police presence in the area while Homicide detectives and the Forensic Services Unit continue the investigation.  

There is no on-going threat to public safety.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at (905) 688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009417 with any relevant information.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.  Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.

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