(St. John’s, NL), February 9, 2023 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) Major Crimes Unit (MCU) are investigating a recent sudden death in the centre city, St. John’s, as a homicide.
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 a 22-year-old man, of St. John’s, who had sustained serious life-threatening injuries. Paramedics and police on scene began life saving measures. The 22-year-old man was transported to hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounce deceased.
RNC controlled access to roads and trails surrounding the area where the incident is believed to have occurred, to allow for any potential evidence collection. Members from Forensic Identification Services (FIS) and K9 Services attended the scene.
RNC MCU immediately began to investigate the death as suspicious, while working in consultation with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. A Major Case Management Team has been tasked with the investigation.
On February 9, 2023 the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the sudden death to be a homicide.
This incident is not believed to be random and the RNC do not believe there to be any immediate concerns to public safety at this time.
The RNC offer sincere condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the deceased, whose identity will not be released at this time.
The investigation into the homicide is ongoing. The RNC would like to thank the members of the public for their assistance and cooperation during this investigation. Residents are reminded that RNC are continuing to canvas in the community, looking for any available information or CCTV footage. The RNC ask that residents who find an RNC business card in their door or mailbox contact the name and number listed on the card.
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 supports at 811.
The RNC requests that anyone with information to assist, or any video footage in the area of Rabbittown, including Merrymeeting Rd, Mayor Avenue, Newtown Road, Salisbury Street, Empire Ave, Hoyles Ave, or surrounding area during the hours of 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., 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
(709) 729-8658