A 13-year-old boy is facing a charge of first-degree murder after police say a youth died in hospital after being found outside an abandoned school southeast of Goderich, Ont., last week.
Police have only described the accused and victim as “youths” but Global News has confirmed the accused is a 13-year-old boy and local media outlets reported the victim was a 12-year-old girl.
Last Wednesday, police initially said emergency services were called to an address on Cutline Road between Parr Line and Tipperary Line just after 4 p.m. on July 2 and that “an individual was located, transported to hospital and later pronounced deceased.”
Later that day, police confirmed the victim and accused were youths and that the accused was facing a charge of first-degree murder.
On Thursday, police appealed to the public, hoping to speak with anyone who was in the area of the permanently closed Holmesville Public School between noon and 4:15 p.m. on the day of the murder, July 2. Motorists who were in the area at the time are also asked by police to check dashcam footage.
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The lawyer for the accused said his next court date is Thursday in Goderich.
An OPP spokesperson confirmed that they would be meeting with investigators and would provide more information once they were “in a position” to do so.
Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn declined comment at this time, noting the matter is before the courts and the identities of those involved is protected.
The Avon Maitland District School Board also would not comment on the case, but did stress that the board is “promoting mental health supports for our students throughout the summer, should someone need help for any reason.”
“From July 2-19, our Mental Health and Well-being (MHWB) Connection Program is being offered at schools across the district that are hosting summer learning programs,” a spokesperson said.
“They include Bedford PS in Stratford, Bluewater Coast ES in Hensall, North Perth Westfield ES in Listowel and Seaforth PS.”
The spokesperson also shared links from the MHWB team about helping children cope after a traumatic event, helping children cope with frightening news, tips for talking with kids and youth about a traumatic event and two resources for educators on how to support students after a traumatic event, which caregivers may find useful as well.
If caregivers believe their child or children require additional support, the board’s website has a list of community resources and local crisis lines.
— with a file from Global News’ Kevin Nielsen