A Sudbury woman is one of two accused persons charged with first degree murder in the connection with the death of 56-year-old Brant Burke of Killarney.
His body was discovered a month ago, on Oct. 25 on a trail in the Point Grondine Reserve off Highway 637.
It was later determined that the incident location was within the Wikwemikong First Nation Territory. Police were responding to what was termed "a sudden death" at the time.
In an earlier news release, OPP revealed that a post-mortem examination was conducted in Sudbury and the cause of death was confirmed to be as a result of a firearm-related injury.
After an extensive investigation, Ontario Provincial Police said two persons were arrested this week and are charged.
On Nov. 24, police arrested and charged Kerry Burke, age 58, from Killarney with First Degree Murder.
On Nov. 25, police arrested and charged Melissa Sheridan, age 39, of Sudbury with First Degree Murder.
Police said both accused are being held in custody and scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice-Bail Court (video conferencing) on Dec. 8 in Sudbury.
Police said Kerry Burke is a man, but did not reveal if he was related to the victim.
Police also revealed that the charges follow a joint forces investigation that was conducted by Wikwemikong Tribal Police, with the assistance of the Nipissing West OPP Crime Unit, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), and the OPP Forensic Identification Service (FIS) under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB).
With the investigation still underway, police are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or their nearest police authority.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit information online at www.sudburycrimestoppers.com, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
