Hamilton and Niagara police working to solve West Lincoln homicide
Niagara police say they’re getting help from Hamilton police on their investigation into the homicide of a 45year-old Hamilton man found dead in rural West Lincoln.
Johnathan Bailey’s body was found about 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at South Chippawa and North Chippawa roads in Caistorville, near the border to Binbrook. He was not found in a vehicle. There were obvious traumatic injuries to his body. An autopsy was performed in Hamilton Thursday, but police said they are not releasing any details and will not comment on whether they have found or are looking for a weapon.
“We are working with police in Hamilton,” said Niagara police spokesperson Stephanie Sabourin, adding that Bailey was “known to police.”
He had an extensive criminal record, which included time spent in prison.
However, friends have also said Bailey was honest about his criminal history and quick to help people.
Police are searching for a 2005 black Ford Escape that is believed to be associated with his death.
Sabourin said the vehicle is “distinctive” with aluminum rims, a roof rack and a stick-family decal on the rear bumper with a father, mother and son. The vehicle has no front licence plate, but back plates are believed to be from Ontario, or possibly Quebec.
She cautioned that some details of the vehicle could have been changed, including removed decals or changed licence plates.
Anyone with suspicions about the vehicle is asked to call police. And anyone with information is asked to contact police at 905-688-4111 ext. 4251. If you see the vehicle, call 911 immediately. Police remained at the scene through Thursday but have since left.