Ontario Provincial Police have responded to a request for an update regarding the death of Port Hope resident Ian Purcell.
Today’s Northumberland issued a request for an update from OPP Detective Inspector Jane Conway who is in charge of the investigation.
Fifty-nine-year-old Purcell was found just outside his tent at his encampment on the west beach in Port Hope at approximately 10:30 a.m. on August 5, 2022.
Purcell had been living in the area for several months.
At the time, Katie Andrews with the Port Hope Police stated Purcell had been assaulted which likely happened several hours before he was discovered.
“He was severely beaten up and suffered severe trauma to his head.”
Some of the blood at the scene was dry, with Andrews indicated the assault happened several hours prior to when Purcell was found.
Det. Inspector Conway never responded over the course of numerous e-mails, but Northumberland OPP media officer James Clarke provided an update.
After two years, OPP has yet to confirm if Purcell was murdered
“The circumstances surrounding the death of Ian Purcell remain under investigation, and any further details may affect the investigation’s integrity. We understand that this incident has had a profound impact on the victim’s family, friends, and the wider community.”
“The OPP would like to reassure the community that as we continue to collect information, we are committed to conducting a detailed and thorough investigation. The Northumberland OPP Crime Unit is continuing the investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or the Port Hope Police Service at 905-885-8123 EXT 3 or email phps@phps.on.ca. Should they wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.stopcrimehere.ca.
Update – Northumberland OPP – Homeless Man Succumbs to Injuries Following Assault
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
