A homicide investigation is underway after a body was discovered on Wednesday morning in Stoney Creek. On Wednesday, at around 8:15 a.m., emergency responders responded to a call for an unresponsive person in a culvert near the north end of Fruitland Road, near Harbour Drive. That individual, who has only been identified by police as a 25- to 35-year-old white male, was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene. Hamilton Police Service is calling this death “suspicious,” saying its Homicide Unit is now handling the investigation. “Investigators remain on scene and are continuing to determine the circumstances surrounding the death,” police said in an initial news release. Foul play suspected: police Speaking with the media near the scene on Wednesday afternoon, Det. Stf. Sgt. Robert DiIanni, of Hamilton Police Service (HPS), said it was “quite clear” to them that the male was deceased and that he didn’t die accidentally. “The circumstances in which he was found prompted the homicide unit to get involved,” he said, adding “foul play” is suspected. He shared that the body was found by a civilian on some rocks and was partially submerged in shallow water. This site is part of a sewer system that flows into Lake Ontario. He would not comment on any injuries they may have sustained. DiIanni also said police believe the site where the male’s body was found is not where he died. “The autopsy will determine the cause of death, and the investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances and identity of the deceased,” the detective said. At this point, the victim has not been identified as police work to notify next of kin. DiIanni went on to say that an extensive video and witness canvas is now underway with the support of Hamilton police’s Missing Persons Investigation Unit, who is examining missing persons cases from across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. “We encourage anybody with information to come forward,” he said.
