THUNDER BAY -- Two people have been arrested and charged in connection with the city’s 10th homicide of the year.
City police say a 17-year-old female and 22-year-old male, both from Thunder Bay, were both charged with second-degree murder in the death of 51-year-old Rene Sortolovo.
They were arrested in the city’s south core around 6 p.m. Wednesday.
The victim’s body was discovered on Oct. 19 in his North Marks Street home and a post-mortem revealed Sortolovo’s death was a homicide.
One of the accused is known to the victim and executive officer Chris Adams said investigators have established robbery as motive.
Police also believe there was a relationship between both of the accused.
The name of the female will not be released in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the identity of the 22-year-old male will be released after his first court appearance Friday.
The crime is scene is still being as a forensic investigation is still being conducted, said Adams.
Thunder Bay Police Service Chief J.P. Levesque said this investigation was difficult.
"This one started out as a bit of a whodunit," he said. "The amount of work and dedication is truly impressive. I'm so proud of our people."
With 10 homicides and other major cases this year, the chief said first resonders feel the impact emotionally.
"We're concerned about our people. These types of incidents take their toll," said Levesque, adding it can be difficutl for the first officers on the scene to the investigators that have to notify next of kin that their loved one is deceased.
"We have to be cognizant of that and keep an eye on our people," he said.
