THUNDER BAY – Police have made an arrest in the murder of Otis Perkins. Perkins was stabbed in an altercation in the Limbrick Housing Complex at about 03:00AM EDT on Friday morning. A 14-year-old male has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder as well as aggravated assault, and breach of a recognizance in the incident.
The aggravated assault charge stems from the stabbing of the second victim in this incident. That individual remains in Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre in serious condition. Earlier reports suggested the injuries were less severe and that the victim had been released.
Thunder Bay Police conducted a grid search in the Limbrick Neighbourhood to locate the weapon. That knife has been recovered. Under the leadership of Thunder Bay Police Service Detective Biloski, officers gathered information from interviews with a large number of people in the Limbrick neighbourhood. A post mortem has been conducted on the body of Otis Perkins, and the investigation continues.
Sources tell NNL that a backpack that was carried by Perkins has also been recovered.
Anyone with information that can assist police are asked to contact the Thunder Bay Police at 684-1200.
The identity of the youth can not be released and will be protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Limbrick Seeks to Re-Group
On Saturday night in an effort to heal the community, a candlelight vigil was held in Limbrick. Over 100 people gathered, along with seven hand drummers to sing. There were 14 people who came forward to speak at the vigil.
The Vale Community Council is planning a number of events in the coming weeks to work toward positive solutions in the neighbourhood. The VCC is working with a growing number of groups to present positive solutions and opportunities for youth that will allow the young people make choices in their lives that will help make a real difference in their lives.
Parents in Limbrick Housing Complex have been increasingly concerned with the actions of some of the residents, and concerned with the growing gang violence and gang recruiting going on in the neighbourhood. Drugs and Alcohol continue to be a problem for many and the issue is one that parents are seeking to find positive solutions.
The homicide will likely continue to impact many of the residents.
The arrest will likely ease some minds, but for many residents getting the help needed in their neighbourhood is going to take a long time and a lot of effort.
