Saturday, June 14, 2008

Timmins murder charge details announced

Timmins Police revealed today that 31-year-old Ronald Timothy Demers Jr. of Timmins, is charged with the first degree murder of 43-year-old Marc George Veilleux, also of Timmins. Both men were known to each other and police say both men had been known to spend time with each other. Demers is being held in custody. Veilleux’s body is being shipped to Sudbury for a post mortem
The information was revealed at a police news conference this morning.
Police say Veillieux’s body was discovered by police in the evening on Wednesday June 11 in w heavily wooded area just south of the city, based on a tip off provided to police. Police said his death was considered "suspicious in nature".
Police could not comment on how that information was received.
Sgt. Richard Blanchette said today “police believe that the deceased died in and around June 4, 2008 and his remains were actually found by the police on June 11.”
Blanchette said the discovery of the body led to the quick arrest of Demers. Police said they had been tipped off to Veilleux’s disappearance by concerned friends.
OBVIOUS TRAUMA
Asked by The Times why the police regarded the death “suspicious in nature” lead investigator Const. Dan Charest(photo) said “the coroner attended the scene, and that was his call that it was suspicious. I can say there was obvious signs of trauma.” Charest also revealed that the body was found in an area where it was not concealed, but the general area was significantly remote. Police also believe the actually killing occurred in the remote area where the body was found.
Charest also revealed that police retrieved what they believe is the weapon used in the killing. “We do have an indication there was a weapon used. We had the dive team in there, the OPP dive team, to assist us in retrieving the weapon. We have retrieved the weapon at this point.
Charest says he cannot comment on what the weapon was because he wants the post mortem examination to determine whether the cause of death involved a specific weapon.
Charest also noted that police do not suspect drugs or any gang activity to be involved with the death.
Police say Demers will be held in custody until such time as his lawyer applies for a bail hearing and until such time as a judge grants bail.

No comments: