A fifth person charged with murder in connection with the death of a Quinte West teen was taken into custody as of late Jan. 31, 2024, say police.
In an update issued late Feb. 1, 2024, Quinte West OPP said a fifth suspect, who police had previously issued an arrest warrant for first degree murder for, was taken into custody late Jan. 31, 2024.
As previously reported by police, on Jan. 7, 2024, at about 11 a.m., police said they responded to a well-being check at a motel on Dundas Street East. Officers located Kiean Stoddard, 17, of Quinte West, deceased at this location, said police.
As a result of the investigation, five people were arrested and charged with first degree murder, contrary to section 235(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada, reported police.
The accused are Morgan Belyea, 22, of Belleville; Steven Courneyea, 26, of Belleville; Harold Russell, 43, of Quinte West; Aaron Ryan, 27, of Quinte West, and Khadijah Courneyea, 29, of Quinte West.
None of these charges have been proven in court.
Khadijah Courneyea was the last suspect taken into custody, who police had previously issued an arrest warrant for. Earlier, police confirmed on Jan. 31, 2024, that the other four accused individuals were arrested and charged.
The investigation is continuing under the direction of the OPP criminal investigation branch, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, reiterated police, on Feb. 1.
Investigators are also 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 276 Dundas St. E. area. Videos can be uploaded via https://bit.ly/qw_dundas_st_e.
Anyone with information and/or video regarding this investigation is asked to contact Quinte West OPP at 1-888-310-1122 and/or upload video to the link provided. Should citizens wish to remain anonymous, police are reminding residents they can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), where tipsters may be eligible to receive a cash reward.
Police have released no further details on the investigation.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
