(St. John’s, NL), February 18, 2023 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) Major Crimes Unit (MCU) have made an arrest in connection to a homicide investigation in the province’s capital city.

On February 7, 2023, at about 5:00 p.m. the RNC Operational Patrol Services (OPS) responded to a request for assistance in the area of Mayor Avenue and Newtown Road, St. John’s, following the report of a man who had sustained injuries and was in distress.

On arrival police located 22-year-old Seamus SECORD, of St. John’s, who had sustained serious life-threatening injuries. Seamus SECORD was transported to hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

RNC MCU immediately began to investigate the death as suspicious, while working in consultation with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. On February 9, 2023 the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the sudden death to be a homicide.

A Major Case Management Team was engaged and tasked with the investigation.

As a result of the investigation, 21-year-old, Robert BELBIN, of St. John’s, was identified as a suspect.

On February 17, 2023, at approximately 6:00 p.m. members of RNC Criminal Investigation Division (CID) located and arrested BELBIN in the West end of St. John’s.

BELBIN was arrested without incident and has been held to appear in court on the charges of second degree murder and breach of release order.

The RNC continues to offer sincere condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Seamus SECORD.

The RNC would like to thank the members of the public for their assistance and cooperation during this investigation.

The RNC recognized the impacts of a traumatic incident like this and encourage anyone who may have trouble coping to contact the RNC Mobile Crisis Support Team at 709-729-8000 or contact mental health support at 811.

The investigation is ongoing. The RNC requests that anyone with information to assist please contact the RNC. You can contact the RNC at 729-8000 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app

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File # 2023-6625

Cst. Jason Walsh #883
Media Relations and Public Communication
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca