NRPS say they have arrested a suspect in the investigation surrounding two young women who were shot dead at a Fort Erie party mansion earlier this year.
On Thursday, police said 22-year-old Christopher Lucas from Scarborough, also known as ‘El Plaga,’ was charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of 20-year-old Juliana Pannunzio from Windsor and 18-year-old Christine Crooks from Toronto.
NRPS said the investigation was carried out with the help of a number of southern Ontario police agencies, including Toronto, York and Halton police, as well as OPP.
“The Niagara Regional Police Service would like to thank the Pannunzio and Crooks families for their patience and understanding during this lengthy investigation,” said a statement.
The two young women were found dead in a short-term rental during the early morning hours of Janury 19, after police responded to the address on Fort Erie’s waterfront after neighbours reported hearing what sounded like gun shots.
Officers found the house empty, except for the two victims who were pronounced dead on the scene.
A lengthy investigation ensued, with police attempting to identify individuals who were in the house that night.
Police has previously said the gathering consisted of multiple people who were at the house for a birthday party.
Christopher Lucas was due for his first appearance today in St Catharines over video link.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
More information as it becomes available
