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Investigation by detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service Homicide Unit, led to the identification of a suspect in relation to the homicides of Celine-Marie Owens and Harold Owens.

On Thursday March 28, 2024, detectives arrested and charged 43-year-old Sean Owens of St. Catharines with the following charges:

-          2 Counts of first-degree murder contrary to Section 235(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada

Owens is currently being held in custody pending a bail hearing on Friday March 29, 2024, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in the City of St. Catharines.

Detectives would like to thank the community for their assistance in this investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling (905) 688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009462.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.  Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.

UPDATE 1 -

This remains an active investigation by detectives with our Homicide Unit, along with detectives from the 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) Detective Office, Forensic Service Unit, and the Office of the Coroner.

There remains a heavy police presence in the area where this incident took place, while a forensic investigation is on-going. 

With the consent of the next of kin, the victims are now being identified as Celine-Marie Owens and Harold Owens, both 75 years of age.

At this time, no arrests have been made and officers continue to work diligently to identify the person/persons responsible.

The Niagara Regional Police Service recognizes that this has been an impactful and emotional time for our community; residents in the area of where this occurred are a close-knit community and have been helpful and cooperative with detectives.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling (905) 688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009462.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.  Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.

ORIGINAL RELEASE – Monday March 25, 2024

On March 25, 2024, at 12:16pm 1 District (St. Catharines / Thorold) uniform officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service responded to an assist ambulance call in the City of St. Catharines.

Officers attended a residence on Elma Street (near Scott Street / Dorothy Street). When officers arrived on scene; two persons were found deceased inside the house.

The investigation is still in its initial stages. Further information regarding the identity of the deceased persons is not being released at this time.

Detectives from the Homicide Unit have been assigned to the investigation. They are being assisted by detectives from the 1 District Detective Office, Forensic Service Unit and the Office of the Coroner. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-0688-4111, option 3, extension 1009462.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.  Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.