OPP crest2. (Photo courtesy of OPP)OPP crest2. (Photo courtesy of OPP)
Windsor

OPP dealing with more murder and mayhem

There is a disturbing trend across Ontario when it comes to murders and deaths.

The Ontario Provincial Police is reporting that homicide and death investigations are on the rise. OPP officials said their officers investigated 42 murders in 2018, which is up from 35 the previous year and a level not seen since 51 cases in 2010. Six of the homicides last year were investigated on behalf of other jurisdictions.

The OPP said a firearm was the primary cause of death in 18 OPP death investigations. That's higher than the previous two years combined and seven more than in the record year of 2010. There were six in 2016 and 10 in 2017. The OPP added the number of occasions in which a firearm is the identified cause of death is consistent with the trends reported in other major jurisdictions in Ontario.

"To deliberately take another life is the most personal affront to public safety that we know," said Deputy Commissioner Rick Barnum, provincial commander of OPP Investigations and Organized Crime. "It is distressing to see an increase in the number of murders being committed in communities throughout Ontario."

The OPP is also reporting that 10 people died in the first 13 days of 2019 in OPP investigated vehicle incidents.  Police are urging motorists to drive safely, drive sober, and slow down.

Read More Local Stories