Arrest made in Jason Gallant homicide
Investigators have charged Hamilton’s Michael Castiglione, 36, with second-degree murder
Jason Gallant was involved in a “short confrontation” with his alleged killer hours before a passerby found his lifeless body near the water’s edge in Pier 4 Park, police say.
But other key details about the 50-year-old’s death — like how and why he was killed — remain murky.
Hamilton police announced Friday officers arrested Michael Castiglione in connection with the homicide. The 36-year-old from Hamilton has been charged with second-degree murder.
Castiglione and Gallant were “acquaintances,” according to Det. Sgt. Sara Beck of the homicide unit, who wouldn’t share any additional information about their relationship.
Gallant’s body was discovered in the north end of Pier 4 Park by a community member walking her dog in the area around 8 a.m. April 2. A call to 911 and an attempt to perform life-saving measures ultimately proved futile — Gallant had been dead for hours, according to police.
Beck said Friday Gallant was killed at an unspecified location before his body was loaded into a vehicle and disposed of at the waterfront park. She wouldn’t elaborate on where police believe the killing took place.
Homicide investigators — who spent the better part of Wednesday and Thursday searching two undisclosed Hamilton properties for evidence — have since seized that vehicle. Beck wouldn’t specify the make or model.
She likewise wouldn’t disclose Gallant’s cause of death, saying that while an autopsy has been completed, that information is evidence in the ongoing investigation. Police previously said investigators immediately believed his death was suspicious given the injuries found on his body. As for a motive, Beck remained tight-lipped, saying only a “short confrontation” preceded Gallant’s death.
Beck didn’t respond to questions regarding Gallant’s background and what he was doing in the days leading up to the homicide. He was known to police, though, with court records showing he had an lengthy criminal record that included several theft- and driving-related charges.
Court records reviewed by The Spectator on Friday revealed Castiglione also has an extensive record that included driving as well as drug-possession offences. His most recent charge, prior to second-degree murder, was in January 2023 when he is alleged to have breached probation by failing to adhere to a weapons ban and keep the peace, according to court documents.
Castiglione was denied bail after his arrest Thursday.
Beck said investigators continue to probe the homicide but are no longer looking for any additional suspects or suspect vehicles.
Anyone with information about Gallant’s death is asked to contact Det. Const. Lindsay Filice of the homicide unit at 905-546-2288.
To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com.