Charges elevated in death of Perth 15-year-old with ‘heart of gold’
Posted Nov 29, 2024 09:38:08 AM.
Last Updated Nov 29, 2024 09:42:59 AM.
A 16-year-old is facing an elevated charge of first-degree murder in connection to the death of Reese Stanzel.
On Oct. 25, provincial police responded to the area of North Street North and Sherbrooke Street East just before 3 p.m. Once inside the home, officers found the body of a 15-year-old Stanzel. A 16-year-old was arrested at the home and initially charged with second-degree murder.
After some investigation, officials have now said they have elevated the charge to first-degree murder.
First-degree murder is “when it is planned and deliberate.”
Second-degree murder is “all murder that is not first-degree murder.”
The accused remained in custody and appeared in a Perth courtroom on Nov. 28. The teen’s identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
“While we cannot discuss the evidence or possible motives, the OPP asks for your patience and urges everyone to refrain from spreading unverified and potentially misleading information,” police said in a press release.
People remembering Stanzel
A GoFundMe for the family of Stanzel is remembering him as someone with a “heart of gold.”
“He had a passion for hunting and fishing,” it reads. “You would often see Reese biking around Perth, walking to and from school and greeting customers while working at The Butcher’s Edge.”
His dream, according to the fundraiser, was to become a police officer and help people after high school.
“Reese will be missed deeply by all who were apart of his life.”
