‘Super nice guy’ killed one block from home
36-year-old St. Catharines man charged with second-degree murder of 60-year-old
Glenn Hewer was less than one block from his home when he was murdered early Friday morning.
Neighbours confirmed Hewer, 60, was living on Division Street, a short distance around the corner from Queenston Street between Calvin and Church streets. It was there a passerby found Hewer lying on the sidewalk at about 1:20 a.m.
Niagara Emergency Medical Services paramedics transported Hewer to hospital, where he died.
Sunday, Police arrested a St. Catharines man, Shaun Joseph Fitzsimons, 36, and charged him with second-degree murder in Hewer’s death.
A memorial for Hewer is planned for Saturday at 11 a.m. at Westview Christian Fellowship, 124 Queenston St.
Jane LaVacca, a minister at Westview, will hold “a celebration” of Hewer’s life.
“Some of his friends called me,” said LaVacca, who is also the program director of a street outreach program, the Westview Centre for Women, at the church.
“They said they needed some help with the funeral, and I was happy to help out.”
Hewer is from Nova Scotia and survived by three sons and six brothers. He worked at Walker Industries in Thorold, LaVacca said.
“I talked to a couple of his buddies at work, and some of his friends that he lived with at different times because I am writing the memorial. His family from Nova Scotia won’t be coming, but have been super involved in the memorial service. They have been sending me stories about Glenn they want to see included.
“Everyone basically says the
same thing — Glenn was a super nice guy who was quiet and very friendly.”
Niagara Regional Police conducted ground searches and canvassed the neighbourhood Friday as part of the investigation.
LaVacca said police have told one of Hewer’s brothers, Kevin, that Glenn was stabbed.
Friday, a neighbour posted a picture on Facebook of an officer recovering from Division Street what was described as a bloody knife wrapped in a T-shirt.
With a publication ban in place arising from a bail hearing Monday, Niagara Regional Police spokesperson Stephanie Sabourin said she cannot confirm any of the details, including whether robbery was the motive.
An autopsy has taken place. Sabourin said the NRP is not releasing results “in order to maintain the integrity of the investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111 ext. 4322.