Perth residents ‘heartbroken’ after a teenager was charged with the second-degree murder of a 15-year-old girl

This weekend, residents of the quiet town of Perth, Ontario, grappled with the sudden death of a local teenager and the murder charges against a second teenager.

On Friday, Ontario Provincial Police officers responding to a call on the outskirts of a community southwest of Ottawa discovered a body later identified as 15-year-old Reese Stanzel.

Shortly thereafter, police arrested a 16-year-old girl at a nearby home and charged her with second-degree murder.

On Monday, the OPP said no one else had been arrested in connection with the incident.

According to former Perth mayor John Fenik, Stanzel’s body was found near Herriot Street, an unpaved cul-de-sac leading to what is known locally as a youth hangout.

Fenik visited the scene of the incident on Sunday, where police tape still blocked the road and well-wishers left flowers and a stuffed toy.

Several of Stanzel’s shared photos show a young man interested in fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities. (Facebook)

“Emotionally Numb”

“I think like everyone in the city of Perth, when I heard the news, I was shocked and emotionally numb,” Fenik told CBC at the scene.

“It’s something that doesn’t happen in this community. It’s a safe community. It’s a tight-knit community. We take care of each other.”

For several residents, the fact that another teenager was charged with murder only deepened the sense of shock.

Due to her age, she cannot be publicly identified.

Although Fenik did not know Stanzel’s family or the 16-year-old accused of his murder, he said the death sparked disbelief in the city.

“People’s lives are ruined right now and it will take time to deal with the grief, move on and move on,” he said.

On Sunday, former mayor John Fenik arrived at the scene of the murder. Fenik said Stanzel’s death left him “in shock and emotionally numb.” (Guy Quenneville/CBC)

Tatianna Mosher, a member of the group advocating for Perth’s first dog park, said she met Stanzel because he volunteered for the group. She described a boy who loved to hunt, fish and ride his bike.

“He was such a kind, generous and loving soul,” Mosher said.

The Upper Canada District School Board confirmed that Stanzel was a student at Perth District Collegiate Institute.

“This tragic event has had a significant impact on our community, and we are providing mental health support to students and staff at our school as they process and cope with this sad news,” Superintendent Marsha McNair said in an emailed statement Monday.

Stanzel’s friends said they plan to leave the cross where his body was found. (Provided by Tatianna Mosher)

Over the weekend, locals were united in shock.

“It’s shocking that no matter where you come from or who you are, children kill children,” Perth resident Peter Speak said. “Look at this city. It doesn’t look like a paradise for murderers.”

Daina Ramsey also said she couldn’t believe what happened.

“Two little kids,” she said. “It’s a tragedy.”

The accused cannot be identified

Two of Stanzel’s relatives who visited the site of his death on Sunday identified the teenager in photos shared on social media, but declined to speak to CBC.

Dickson said the teenager accused of killing Stanzel was remanded in custody Saturday until her next hearing scheduled for Oct. 31.

While Dickson would not comment on Stanzel’s death, he said the OPP “had evidence” to support a second-degree murder charge.

By Sunday, a monument had been erected near where Stanzel’s body was found. (Guy Quenneville/CBC)