UPDATE 1 - Homicide Detectives Investigating Welland Death

Detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service Homicide Unit continue to investigate the death of an adult male in the City of Welland on Tuesday September 17, 2024.

Investigators have identified the male as 24-year-old Mathew Theal of Welland

Residents can expect a continued police presence in the area while Homicide detectives and the Forensic Services Unit continue the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at (905) 688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009417 with any relevant information.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.

ORIGINAL RELEASE - Homicide Detectives Investigating Welland Death

On Tuesday September 17, 2024, at approximately 10:30am, 3 District (Welland/Fonthill) Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) officers attended a residence in the area of Broadway and Pietz Avenue in the City of Welland in response to an assist ambulance call.

Officers arrived on scene with Niagara Emergency Medical Services and located an adult male with life threatening injuries. The male was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Sommer E. ETHERDEN (19 years old) of Welland was arrested and charged with the following offence:

- Second Degree Murder contrary to section 235(1) of the Criminal Code

The NRPS Homicide Unit has taken carriage of the investigation. Area residents can expect a continued police presence in the area while Homicide detectives and the Forensic Services Unit continue the investigation.

There is no on-going threat to public safety.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at (905) 688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009417 with any relevant information.

Incident #24-104778