Three dead in Ontario cottage country, murder suspect still at large

Three dead in Ontario cottage country, murder suspect still at large in Bracebridge

It has been three days since Ontario Provincial Police responded to reports of gunfire north of Bracebridge.

According to police, officers responded to the call shortly after 8 p.m. on Aug. 1, in the area of Beatrice Town Road. When they arrived on scene, police found a deceased male outside the residence and a house fully engulfed in flames.

Sergeant Joe Brisebois central region media coordinator for the OPP said a shelter in place was then put into effect.

“At that point, we started looking for, a potential shooter and a shelter in place was put in effect, until approximately 1:45 a.m., that morning,” said Brisebois. “Since then, Mitchell Gray, 29 years old, of Bracebridge, is now wanted for murder.”

Police describe him as a white male, 5′8″ with light brown hair and facial hair. He was last seen on Friday, Aug. 1.

“Investigators believe that there’s no threat to public safety,” said Brisebois “I can say that the victims and the suspect and the wanted person are known to each other.”

In an update by Bracebridge OPP on Sunday, Aug. 3, police said they discovered two additional deceased individuals within the residence that was destroyed by the fire.

Their identities cannot be confirmed until a post-mortem examination is conducted and until the examination is done, Gray will remain wanted for murder.

“The identities have not been confirmed and we’re looking into every possible scenario,” said Brisebois. “Until the identities are confirmed, we are assuming that Mitchell Gray is still out there and we’re looking for his whereabouts.”

OPP said they are unable to confirm if the suspect is related to the individuals found and the post-mortem examination could take some time to complete.

“That could take a number of weeks, but as soon as we have confirmation, then we’ll release an update,” said Brisebois

In a statement to CTV News, Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney said, “We appreciate the efforts of all our emergency services who responded to this tragic incident, especially our OPP. Our hearts and thoughts are with the family of the victims.”

OPP remain tightlipped on the ongoing death and arson investigation and have not released any additional information.

Police are asking anyone with additional information to contact the OPP or Crime Stoppers.