Quinte West OPP say five people have been charged with murder in connection with a death of a teen at a motel in early January.
According to police, on Jan. 7, 2024, at about 11 a.m., police responded to a well-being check at a Dundas Street East motel.
Officers located Kiean Stoddard, 17, of Quinte West, deceased at that location, said police.
On Jan. 31, 2024, police said as a result of an investigation, four people were arrested and charged with first degree murder, contrary to section 235(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada.
The accused are Morgan Belyea, 22, of Belleville; Steven Courneyea, 26, of Belleville; Harold Russell, 43, of Quinte West, and Aaron Ryan, 27, of Quinte West.
Police added that an arrest warrant for first degree murder was also issued for Khadijah Courneyea, 29, of Quinte West.
None of these charges have been proven in court.
The investigation is continuing under the direction of the OPP’s criminal investigation branch, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario, and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, said police.
Investigators are continuing to call on the public for help with doorbell camera or dash cam video from Jan. 3, 2024, between 5 and 11:30 p.m. in the area of 276 Dundas St. E. Videos can be uploaded via https://bit.ly/qw_dundas_st_e.
Anyone with information and/or video regarding this investigation is being asked to contact OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or to upload video to the link provided, said police.
Police are reminding citizens that should they wish to remain anonymous they can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, where tipsters may be eligible to receive a cash reward.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
