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Victim identified in suspicious Copperfield death as Calgary police search for suspect

Jessie James Hanaghan (left) was found dead in Calgary on Oct. 30, 2020. Suspect Michael Andrew Onischuk (right) is wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for murder. Obtained by Global News

Calgary police have identified a man who died under suspicious circumstances in Copperfield last week as they continue the search for a suspect wanted on a Canada-wide warrant.

Police responded to reports of a body found inside a home in the 100 block of Copperpond Common S.E. on Oct. 30 at 1 p.m.

An autopsy identified the victim as Jessie Jean Hanaghan, 37, who was shot to death, police said.

In a statement to Global News, Hanaghan’s twin brother Caleb said he will be deeply missed.

“He was a good person,” Caleb said. “He had a good job with a good group of guys and was content where he was. His girlfriend has two young children that will miss him so much. He wanted his old life to be in the past and this was his new path. He was an amazing uncle to my children and they loved him.​”

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Investigators are looking for Michael Andrew Onischuk, 33, who is wanted on Canada-wide warrants for murder. Staff Sgt. Colin Chisholm said Onischuk is likely walking with crutches and may have a noticeable limp.

Investigators are looking for Michael Andrew Onischuk, 33, who is wanted on Canada-wide warrants for murder. Courtesy: Calgary Police Service

Police released a stock photo Wednesday of a vehicle they think is connected to Onischuk. It is a white 2012 four-door Jaguar XF with a possible B.C. licence plate of PP023D.

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On Thursday morning, police said the vehicle was located and seized by the CPS in south Calgary.

Calgary police are looking for a Jaguar like this that they think is connected to the suspect.
Calgary police are looking for a Jaguar like this that they think is connected to the suspect. Courtesy: Calgary Police Service

Investigators do not know what kind of vehicle Onischuk may be driving now, after having ditched the Jaguar.

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Chisholm said Onischuk and Hanaghan were known to each other, but did not elaborate any further on the nature of their relationship. He also could not speak to what may have led to the shooting, which is not believed to be drug-related or connected to any other shootings or homicides that have happened in the city.

A large police presence at a home on Granary Road on Wednesday is connected to the case, Chisholm said, but would not elaborate on how, only saying a search warrant was being executed at the home.

If you have information about the suspect or shooting, call the Calgary Police Service homicide tip line at 403-428-8877, the CPS non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Calgary police investigated a suspicious death in the community of Copperfield on Friday, Oct. 30, 2020. Global News

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