Murder charge laid, suspect also wanted on outstanding warrants

A suspect facing second-degree murder charges as a result of a Thursday afternoon robbery and assault was wanted by police for several outstanding warrants.

Twenty-nine-year-old Jeffrey Charles Tomagatick appeared Friday morning in court in Thunder Bay to face second-degree murder, robbery and breach of probation charges in the death of 50 year-old Murray Jr. Keesic, who died overnight in hospital.

Tomagatick, who is expected to appear in court next on Sept. 20, was also wanted for break and enter, theft under $5,000, two breaches of probation charges and assault with a weapon.

Acting Det.-Inspector Don Lewis said Tomagatick was arrested several hours after the assault and alleged robbery, which took place near a laneway behind a residence in the 200 block of North Syndicate Street.

“We’re not exactly sure, but there could be the possibility of a robbery as a motive,” Lewis said, adding cash believed to have been stolen from Keesic by the suspect was allegedly found on Tomagatick’s person when he was arrested.

Neither Tomagatick nor Keesic lived at the residence, nor do police believe they knew anyone who lived in the residence, Lewis said. 
“Upon arriving there police discovered the victim, who was unconscious at the time and who later succumbed to his injuries,” Lewis said at a news conference Friday afternoon.

Tomagatick, a Thunder Bay resident was taken in without incident, Lewis added.

The arrest was made with the assistance of witnesses, who were able to help police identify the suspect, who remains in custody, at least until his next court appearance.

Lewis said the alleged crime took place outside the North Syndicate Street residence, near the laneway behind the home.
Police don’t suspect it was a random act of violence.

“They’re known to each other,” Lewis said.

It was Thunder Bay’s third homicide of 2012.

Sixty-five-year-old Adam Yellowhead’s body was found Aug. 29 in a meadow at the end of Field Street. Thirty-five-year-old Sherman Kirby Quisses was killed in June after injuries suffered during a fight at the Thunder Bay Correctional Centre.