Five people charged with murder in northwestern Ontario

The assaults took place March 29, 2026, on Eabametoong First Nation. The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Eabametoong detachment responded to reports of an assault on Albany River Crescent in the community. (File)

Five people have been charged with murder following a vicious assault at a First Nation in northwestern Ontario that left two people with life-threatening injuries.

Ontario Provincial Police said the case became a homicide when one of the victims died of their injuries in hospital.

The incident took place March 29 on Eabametoong First Nation. The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Eabametoong detachment responded to reports of an assault on Albany River Crescent in the community.

Two people were found seriously injured and airlifted to hospital. A 33-year-old man from Eabametoong First Nation died from his injuries March 31, police said in a news release.

Three men, ages 18, 19 and 47, as well as a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old, have all been charged with second-degree murder.

Remain in custody

The 47-year-old remains in custody for a bail hearing today (April 2) in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay.

The other four accused were remanded into custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on April 14.

“The OPP north west region crime unit and NAPS crime unit are continuing this investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service,” police said.

“The OPP would like to thank the chief and council of Eabametoong First Nation, as well as members of the public for their support.”

Anyone with information relating to the investigation is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.