A 16-year-old girl suspected in the death of 15-year-old Reese Stanzel near Ottawa last month is now facing a charge of first-degree murder, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said Thursday.
On Oct. 25, officers responding to a call on the outskirts of Perth, Ont., discovered a body later identified as Stanzel’s. A short time later, police arrested the 16-year-old at a nearby home and initially charged her with second-degree murder.
OPP said the ongoing investigation led them to upgrade the charge. First-degree murder means the killing was “planned and deliberate,” according to the Criminal Code.
Police offered no more information about what they’d learned to prompt the change, and said the investigation continues.
The accused remains in custody, police said. Her identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which bans publication of the identity of those under 18 in most circumstances.
The circumstances of the incident shocked many in the Lanark County town of about 6,500, roughly 85 kilometres southwest of downtown Ottawa.
OPP continue to ask the public for patience, and to refrain from spreading unverified information as they are prevented from discussing evidence or motives.