Police say foul play is not suspected in the death of a man who went missing in St. Catharines in February, however two people have now been arrested on charges of neglect and indignity to a dead body.
Johnathon Cronkwright, 32, was reported missing March 4. At that time police said he had not been seen since Feb. 29 walking in the area of Tasker Street and Welland Avenue.
On March 9, Niagara Regional Police Service responded to an assist ambulance call after a body was discovered at a Raymond Street house.
The body had been located by a civilian volunteer search party that included Cronkwright's family members.
Detectives with 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) now say two people were arrested and charged today in relation to Cronkwright's death.
Michael (Mike) Patterson, 34, of no fixed address and Samantha Embert, 33, of no fixed address have been charged with:
- Dead Body: Neglect duty, contrary to Section 182(a) of the Criminal Code
- Dead Body: Indignity to, contrary to Section 182(b) of the Criminal Code
Police said Patterson and Embert were being held in custody pending a bail hearing tomorrow at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.
"Investigators recognize the difficult time and circumstances endured by the family and friends of Jonathan and appreciate their cooperation with the investigation," Niagara Regional Police said in a news release. "Foul play is not suspected in Jonathan's death."
Police said they believe additional people may have information in relation to the events leading up to and following Cronkwright's death. They encouraged them to contact the investigating officers at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1004233.
