Second person arrested in Sagamok homicide investigation

The OPP have arrested a second suspect in connection with a homicide investigation in Sagamok First Nation.

Stevie Ray Southwind, 32, was previously arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the stabbing death of Sonny Toulouse, a 46-year-old from Sagamok.

This week, the OPP charged Mercedes Toulouse, 29, with accessory after the fact to commit an indictable offence.

None of the allegations against either of the accused have been tested in court, and both are considered innocent unless proven guilty.

Below is the full news release from the OPP:

The Manitoulin Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Crime Unit has arrested a second individual in connection with an ongoing homicide investigation in Sagamok First Nation.

On Sept. 24, 2023 shortly before 6 a.m., members of the Manitoulin OPP responded to an assault with a weapon. The victim was transported to hospital and later died from their injuries.

Mercedes Toulouse, 29 years old from Sagamok First Nation, was arrested Nov. 28, 2023, and charged with accessory after the fact to commit an indictable offence, contrary to section 463(b) of the Criminal Code.

The accused was released on bail and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on Jan. 15, 2024.

Another individual was arrested Nov. 5, 2023.

The investigation is being conducted by the Manitoulin OPP Crime Unit and the Anishinabek Police Service (APS) under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), and in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner, Ontario Forensic Pathology Services and OPP Forensic Identification Services.

If anyone has further information regarding this incident, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or your nearest police service. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit your tip online where you may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.