Northumberland OPP say a Roseneath resident is facing obstruction charges in relation to a death investigation dating back to 2022 when 22-year-old Travis Nickerson was found deceased.
Nickerson was reported missing on Sept. 8, 2022, according to police. Ten days later, on Sept. 18, 2022, police found the Village of Hastings resident dead in the County Road 18 area in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand.
“We need (to) make it clear that this individual was not charged for the death of the missing person,” noted OPP Const. James Clarke in response to inquiries about the investigation. “The individual was charged in relation to the death as false information was (allegedly) provided to officers during the investigation.”
“The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with further information is asked to contact the OPP,” added Clarke.
Police issued their latest update on the night of Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. Police allege that false information was provided to officers during their investigation.
As a result, police said on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, Seth Gray, 35, of Roseneath, was charged with obstruction of justice and obstructing a peace officer, contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada.
These charges have not been proven in court.
Police said the accused was held on Thursday for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg.
Northumberland OPP’s crime unit conducted their investigation under the direction of the OPP’s criminal investigation branch, with help from the OPP’s forensic identification services and in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, reads OPP’s Thursday release.
“The OPP would like to thank the local community for their co-operation and assistance,” added police.
Police issued their first plea for help to the public on Sept. 12, 2022, at the time saying Nickerson was missing and last seen on Sept. 8 around 5 p.m. in the Sandy Bay Road Hastings area.
On Sept. 19, 2022, OPP issued another update saying they had received information about the location of a vehicle linked to Nickerson. Officers said they responded to the location the day prior and found a body and vehicle in the County Road 18 Alnwick/Haldimand area and that their investigation was continuing.
Following a post-mortem examination, police confirmed the identity of the deceased as Nickerson on Sept. 22, 2022.
“The cause of death remains under investigation pending further forensic analysis,” said police at the time.
Thursday’s update was the latest on the investigation since 2022.
On Thursday, police said they couldn’t comment further on the investigation.
Police continue to urge anyone with information related to this investigation to contact OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should citizens wish to remain anonymous, police remind residents that Crime Stoppers is an option by visiting their website or calling 1-800-222-8477.
Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000 through Crime Stoppers, added police.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
