Search over for man wanted in boy’s death

Stepfather arrested in Kenora

The manhunt for Justin Kuijer, accused of seconddegree murder in the death of his seven-year-old stepson Nathan Dumas of St. Catharines, has ended in his arrest in Kenora, Ont.

Ontario Provincial Police arrested Kuijer on Tuesday at about 5: 15 p. m., Niagara Regional Police confirmed in a news release issued just before 9:30 p.m.

Uniform officers from the OPP’s Kenora detachment responded to a 911 call from a member of the public.

The 2009 Pontiac Montana van Kuijer was reported to have been driving was in a parking lot with Kuijer inside, the police said.

Kuijer was arrested without incident. He was alone at the time of his arrest.

He will be returned to Niagara in the days to come.

“We would like to thank the public, the media, and our law enforcement partners for their continued support over the last few days,” said Niagara homicide Det. Sgt. Brian Bleich, the lead investigator in the case.

“Their efforts have led to the capture of Kuijer, and some small semblance of closure for the victims and their families.”

NRP Const. Phil Gavin said earlier Tuesday that local police officers received more than 100 tips related to the manhunt.

Kuijer was also wanted on a Canada- wide arrest warrant for a charge of attempted murder related to last Friday morning’s stabbing of an employee at a bank branch.

The woman, whom police have not identified, is recovering in hospital.

Nathan was found Friday morning critically injured in his apartment by his mother, Whitney Dumas.

He died in hospital Saturday morning.

The community will gather this week to remember Nathan, whose funeral service is Friday.

An obituary for the little boy describes him as a “truly kind, loving boy with a big heart, full of compassion for everyone and everything.”

Nathan “was always quick to help anyone who may have been in need. As the polite young gentleman he was, he never missed an opportunity to open a door, give a gift or come to the defence of a good friend.

“There are no words to express the unbearable heartbreak we feel in his loss. He will be fondly remembered by everyone who has been blessed to have met him.”

THERE ARE NO WORDS TO EXPRESS THE UNBEARABLE HEARTBREAK WE FEEL IN HIS LOSS.