THUNDER BAY – A second suspect has been arrested in the death of 37-year-old Rusty James Russow, with Thunder Bay police now saying they believe they have everyone responsible for the death in custody.
Harley Austin Loon, 23, of Thunder Bay stands charged with first degree murder after being arrested Thursday, the Thunder Bay Police Service stated. He appeared in bail court on Friday and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.
He faces the same charge as a suspect arrested earlier this week, Travis Jacob Loon, 29, of Thunder Bay, who police identified as Harley Loon's brother.
"The investigation has led us to the point that we believe we have the people responsible under arrest and before the courts," said Det. Insp. Jeremy Pearson at a press conference Friday. "With that said, the investigation being ongoing, we remain open to any new information."
Police revealed Thursday the incident that led to Russow’s death is now believed to have occurred on Nov. 14, three days before police were dispatched to the Pearl Street residence where he was located.
That means police have revised a request to the public to share information and surveillance footage taken in the area on the evening of Nov. 14. The incident itself is believed to have occurred 8 and 10 p.m., police said.
“Regardless of how inconsequential it may seem to them, it may have significance to our investigation," said Pearson, adding police have collected a "great deal of evidence" so far, including surveillance footage.
While declining to go into detail, Pearson said the homicide was not “random.”
“The exact nature of the interaction, the relationship, that’s part of the ongoing investigation,” he said. “As the charge [of] first degree murder indicates, and also as our investigation has revealed, I can say this was not a random occurrence, in our belief.”
He also reiterated police do not believe a firearm was involved.
“The injuries on the deceased are consistent with a serious assault that resulted, unfortunately, in his death,” he said.
