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Provincial police are urging the public to avoid spreading “unverified information” in the case of the killing of a 15-year-old Perth boy Oct. 25.
“Obviously, social media is an important link in the community,” said Bill Dickson, senior spokesman for the OPP East region.
But some of the messaging has gone to “dangerous” speculation and rumours. Dickson urged residents “to refrain from spreading unverified and potentially misleading information.”
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Dickson confirmed that some of the comments were negative references to the 16-year-old suspect’s self-identification as a female.
There have been “a lot of mentions” of that fact, but OPP decided the information was pertinent and included in news releases.
The suspect’s identity can’t be revealed under the young offenders act.
This prompted former area MPP Randy Hillier to post a Facebook video accusing unnamed people of “protecting their dangerous rainbow Trans agenda.”
Police identified the victim as 15-year-old Reese Stanzel of Perth.
“Reese was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, co-worker and friend to many,” read a statement on a GoFundMe page set up to support Stanzel’s family. “Reese had a heart of gold and wouldn’t think twice in helping anyone around him.”
So far, the GoFundMe has raised more than $21,000 of its goal of $25,000.
“The area was deeply affected by Reese’s death,” Dickson said.
The suspect has been charged with second-degree murder under section 235(1) of the Criminal Code and remains in custody. They are to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth on Dec. 4.
Anyone with any information that could assist the investigation should contact the Lanark County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can be made to Lanark County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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