New details revealed in 2019 kidnapping, murder of Kitchener, Ont. man

The family of Jason John Brown, who was kidnapped and murdered in 2019, says they were stunned by the latest arrests. Spencer Turcotte reports.

As the investigation into the kidnapping and murder of a Kitchener, Ont. man approaches the six-year mark, CTV News has learned more about one of the people charged in the case.

Ontario Provincial Police announced Monday that two more people were charged in Jason John Brown’s death, bringing the total number of accused to five.

The long wait for justice has been hard on his family.

“To live 2,133 days, today, and know they did this to somebody,” his sister Nancy Brown said. “That’s five birthdays [with] his kids. That’s two high school graduations he didn’t get to see because of some people’s deep, dark demons.”

Mathew Drumond was one of the people recently taken into OPP custody. The 38-year-old from London, Ont. was charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

It was an announcement that left the Brown family stunned.

“That was my brother’s best friend, Mathew Drumond, for years,” explained Nancy. “Which, again, is more shocking to us now.”

She said the recent arrests haven’t helped with the healing process.

“Just because there’s been five arrests doesn’t mean there’s any more healing being done. Daily. Hourly. It’s all the time. It’s constant thoughts.”

The investigation isn’t over either. A $50,000 reward is still being offered for information leading to an arrest or conviction.

“Investigators believe that there are still individuals who have intimate knowledge of Mr. Brown’s death, and they’re looking to speak with them,” said Const. Matthew Burton with Wellington County OPP.

Six years on and provincial police are not giving up. They said they have multiple units assisting them with the investigation.

“The OPP Biker Enforcement Unit, known as BEU, is involved as Mr. Brown was a former probationary member with two of the accused, Joshua and Mathew Drumond, who are currently members of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club,” said Burton.

Joshua Alexander Drumond was arrested in November 2023 by the Edmonton Police Service. He’s charged with first-degree murder, along with kidnapping.

Steven Jon Walsom-Gerigs of Brantford is also charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping, while Travis Willard Wand of Wellington North is charged with first-degree murder, two counts of assault with a weapon, kidnapping and several other offences.

Jessica Martin, a 35-year-old from North Perth, is also charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

The dedication to find everyone responsible is echoed by Jason’s sisters.

“I just need them to know that we will not stop until we get justice for him,” Nancy said through tears.

Another one of Jason’s sisters, Tara Brown, referred to her brother as an “amazing guy.”

“Anyone that has met him, he had his faults. Everybody does. But anyone that’s met him has always said that he has a big heart,” Taras said. “To have that taken away from my niece and nephew – my brother’s kids – to have their dad taken away… I hope [whoever did this] sits up at night and it haunts them.”

For anyone looking for regular updates on the case, Brown’s sister Tara has created a social media account. She also hopes to keep her brother’s legacy alive through pictures and videos of different memories they shared.