Perth residents ‘heartbroken’ after teenager charged with murder of 15-year-old girl

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

A short time later, police arrested a 16-year-old boy at a nearby home.

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.

Photo of a teenager holding a fish — Several photos shared of Stanzel show a young man who appeared to be 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 second-degree 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.

A bald man in a white shirt with a red poppy stands in front of police tape on the other side of the unpaved road. — 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)

On Sunday, outside one of the supermarkets, 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.”

A soft toy lying on the ground among the grass and leaves. — By Sunday, a monument had been erected near where Stanzel’s body was found. (Guy Quenneville/CBC)

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.

The photos show a young man apparently interested in outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing.

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.