First-Degree Murder charge laid following the death of an assault victim
January 19, 2026
TB25040750
A Thunder Bay resident is facing an upgraded charge following the death of an assault victim.
Officers were sent to the Red River Road and Clarkson Avenue area on October 11, 2025, in response to an assault.
An 85-year-old male was located with serious injuries.
Drew MITCHELL, was charged with attempt to commit murder on October 14, 2025 following an investigation into the situation.
Hendrick Walinga the victim, has since passed due to the injuries.
As a result, the accused Drew MITCHELL charge was upgraded to First-Degree Murder on January 19, 2026.
The accused remains in custody with a future court date.
The Thunder Bay Police Service is pleased to announce the acquisition of a ballistics lab. The facility was developed to provide the Thunder Bay Police Service Forensic Identification (Ident) Unit with a dedicated, controlled space for firearms-related forensic work. The facility will allow trained Ident members to safely conduct test firing and recover bullets and other ballistic evidence for examination and comparison. The container was custom built locally by StrongBox Inc with ballistic safety panels which allows officers to conduct testing in the safest manner. The bullet recovery tank was purchased from Cyber National Inc out of the US which was recommended by the Ontario Centre of Forensic Sciences as one of the best options in North America and is certified to withstand shots up to .50 Caliber ammunition testing. Some of the main benefits include: • A dedicated and controlled environment for firearms testing and bullet recovery. • Improved efficiency by allowing this work to be completed locally rather than relying on outside facilities • Faster processing of firearms-related evidence and reduced delays in investigations • Improved ability to recover bullets in a condition suitable for subsequent forensic examination and comparison • Increased operational capability for the Forensic Identification Unit and support for major and firearms-related investigations The project was supported through Community Safety and Policing (CSP) grant funding, which assisted with the purchase of the bullet recovery system, and other equipment required to establish the facility.
TB26032479 Investigation update The Thunder Bay Police Service has updated an ongoing assault investigation to a sudden death investigation. Officers were dispatched to the area of the 1000 block of Dawson Road in the afternoon of August 15, 2026. A female was located and transported to a local hospital with injuries. The Major Crime Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. Investigators believe there is no risk to public safety at this time. No other information is available at this time. Updates will be provided when they become available.
