Thunder Bay Courthouse THUNDER BAY – CRIME NEWS: A man from Thunder Bay is now charged with First-Degree Murder in connection with the death of 85-year-old Hendrick Walinga, who died from injuries sustained during an assault in the city’s north end in October 2025. Details of the Incident On October 11, 2025, officers from the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) responded to a report of an assault near Red River Road and Clarkson Avenue. When they arrived, they found Mr. Walinga with serious injuries. He was taken to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, where he was listed in critical condition. Three days later, on October 14, 2025, Drew Mitchell was arrested and initially charged with Attempt to Commit Murder as part of the ongoing police investigation. Victim’s Death Leads to New Charges Despite receiving extensive medical care, Mr. Walinga unfortunately passed away from his injuries, leading investigators and the Crown Attorney’s Office to reassess the charges against Mitchell. On January 19, 2026, TBPS officially elevated Drew Mitchell’s charge to First-Degree Murder. What First-Degree Murder Means in Canada According to Canadian law under Section 231 of the Criminal Code, First-Degree Murder is defined as a killing that is planned and intentional or one that occurs while committing certain serious crimes like sexual assault or kidnapping. A conviction for this crime carries a mandatory life sentence without parole eligibility for at least 25 years. In this case, while authorities have not specified if the charge is based on premeditation or another legal factor, its elevation indicates prosecutors believe there’s enough evidence for such claims. Next Steps in This Case Mitchell remains behind bars awaiting upcoming court dates. A timeline for preliminary hearings or trial has yet to be announced. The investigation continues, and TBPS encourages anyone with further information to reach out. This tragic event has shaken the local community deeply, particularly among seniors living nearby. It raises important concerns about public safety and how we support our vulnerable residents here in Thunder Bay. META Description:
Thunder Bay man charged with First-Degree Murder in death of 85-year-old Hendrick Walinga following October assault. TAG Word list:
Thunder Bay, crime, First-Degree Murder, Red River Road, Thunder Bay Police, court news, homicide, Northwestern Ontario, Drew Mitchell, Hendrick Walinga, senior safety,
criminal charges,
local news,
TBPS
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