Pembroke residents concerned about safety as OPP investigates homicide

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Pembroke residents are still coming to grips with a double homicide that occurred in the city northwest of Ottawa Monday morning.

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As of Tuesday, no arrests in connection with the two deaths have been announced, leaving people wondering what exactly happened, who the victims are, who did it and why.

Shortly before 3 a.m. on Monday, Ontario Provincial Police officers were called to a Mackay Street apartment building where they found two people with life-threatening injuries. Both were taken to hospital where one was pronounced dead. As of the OPP’s most recent update Monday afternoon, the other was still in hospital with critical injuries.

Sometime later on Monday morning, police found the body of a third person at a property on Dunlop Street, only a block from the initial scene. Investigators believe the victims were targeted, police said.

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The double homicide in Pembroke came a little more than two days after a man was shot to death in Renfrew, which is located roughly 55 kilometres away. Police have identified that victim as Jonathan Logan, 41, and said they believe he was targeted by the killer.

When asked on Tuesday if the incidents in Pembroke and Renfrew are connected, Cst. Mike Mahon of the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP said “all avenues are being investigated, but at this point, it’s too early to speculate whether there’s any kind of relation between the two.”

Tuesday morning in Pembroke, police tape fluttering in a light breeze remained around the two crime scenes. The streets were quiet. Doors to neighbouring homes were closed. The only indication of the violence of early Monday morning was the bright yellow tape and the presence of a few police vehicles parked nearby.

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The homicides have left neighbourhood resident Danielle Baker concerned and asking questions. She lives a stone’s throw from the second scene where one of the bodies was found.

“It was literally too close to home and that’s the thing — they still haven’t caught him yet and your mind starts to wander — is this the same guy that was in Renfrew?” Baker questioned. “It does sound from what the police are speculating that it was targeted and that offers a bit more of a relief than a random; you don’t want to think about someone just going around and killing random people.”

Baker said after the incidents, on Monday, she was double-checking her security cameras and her exterior lighting to ensure it was all working properly.

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“Stuff like this kind of makes you feel uneasy and it makes you start to question,” she said. “Maybe I’m letting my dog out late at night, or maybe I go for a drive and I’m pulling [back into my driveway] and what if I had been going down that street when this was happening? Could I have been taken out as a witness? You just don’t know. Like I said, it’s literally too close to home and it gives you a very uncomfortable feeling.”

Tuesday morning, Pembroke Mayor Ron Gervais, a long-serving council representative on the Pembroke Police Services Board, assured residents that he is in regular communication with the OPP about the incident.

“I wish to take this opportunity to assure everyone that we live in a safe community and that there is no threat to the community,” Gervais told Postmedia. “The investigation is ongoing by the OPP and they will release further information as it becomes available. This incident is most unfortunate and I have every faith in the professionalism of the OPP as they further the investigation.”

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Further, in a released statement, Gervais said on behalf of council, he offers sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victims and thanked the OPP for its dedication and professionalism during the incident.

Further reaction on Tuesday came from County of Renfrew Warden Peter Emon.

“Our thoughts go out to all who have been impacted by these violent acts,” he said.

The County of Renfrew and the Renfrew County Housing Corporation released a statement Tuesday afternoon that said they are deeply saddened by the events of this past weekend.

“We consider the safety and well-being of our staff and our residents to be of utmost importance and we will be assessing the ongoing situation with our community and municipal partners, including the Ontario Provincial Police and other first responders, the Town of Renfrew, and the City of Pembroke,” the statement said.

The County of Renfrew said area residents impacted by this weekend’s tragedies are encouraged to reach out for support, if required, to the following agencies:

• Renfrew County Victim Services — 1-877-568-5730
• Mental Health Services Crisis Line — 1-866-996-0991
• Phoenix Centre for Children & Families — 1-800-465-1870

With files from Taylor Blewett

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