A 41-year-old North Bay woman has been charged with public mischief after she gave police false information in connection with a death three years ago in Moose Factory. Loni Chum was 21 when she was discovered at 3 a.m. on Nov. 7, 2023, with serious injuries on Jaban Street in Moose Factory, Moose Cree First Nation. The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service were the first on the scene. “She was transported to hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased,” Ontario Provincial Police said in a news release Sept. 10. “Investigators believe she was struck by a pickup truck.” The North Bay woman said she had information on the case, but the OPP said it turned out to be “false information,” and she was charged Sept. 4 with mischief. The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Moosonee on Oct. 6. “A $100,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of (whoever is) responsible for the death of Loni Chum,” the OPP said. The reward is shared equally between the Government of Ontario and Moose Cree First Nation leadership, with each providing $50,000, “demonstrating the collective commitment to advancing the investigation and uncovering the truth.” “While one individual has been arrested in connection with the tragic death of Loni Chum, police believe there are individuals with information about this case who have not yet come forward,” OPP Det. Insp. Tom McVey said in the release. “We hope the significant reward being offered will encourage them to do so.” Anyone with information in relation to this investigation is asked to contact James Bay OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.
