Community in Shock After Teen Murder Charge

UPDATE | On Nov. 28, 2024, OPP announced that the charge of second-degree murder had been raised to first-degree murder. On Nov. 26, 2025, the young person pleaded guilty to first-degree murder. Sentencing will take place in February.

Residents of the quiet town of Perth, Ont., were struggling over the weekend with the unexpected death of a local teenager and the subsequent murder charge against another teen.

On Friday, Ontario Provincial Police officers answered a call on the outskirts of the community southwest of Ottawa and found a body later identified as 15-year-old Reese Stanzel.

Soon after, police took a 16-year-old into custody at a nearby house and charged her with second-degree murder.

No other arrests have been made related to this case, according to OPP on Monday.

Stanzel’s body was located near Herriot Street, an unmarked dead-end road that locals know as a gathering spot for young people, said former Perth mayor John Fenik.

Fenik visited the area on Sunday where police tape still blocked access and well-wishers had left flowers and a stuffed animal.

Several photos circulating online show Stanzel as a young man who enjoyed fishing, hunting, and outdoor activities. (Facebook)

‘Emotionally numb’

“Like everyone else in Perth when I heard that news, I was shocked and emotionally numb,” Fenik shared with CBC at the scene.

“This kind of thing doesn’t happen here. This is a safe community where we all look out for one another.”

The fact that another teen has been charged with murder has deepened feelings of shock among many residents.

Due to her age, she cannot be publicly named.

Although Fenik did not know either Stanzel’s family or the 16-year-old charged in his death, he mentioned how much disbelief this tragedy has caused in town.

“People’s lives are shattered right now; it’s going to take time for everyone to grieve and eventually move forward,” he stated.

John Fenik, former mayor of Perth, visited the site where Stanzel died on Sunday. He expressed feeling ‘in shock and emotionally numb.’ (Guy Quenneville/CBC)

Tatianna Mosher from a group advocating for Perth’s first dog park said she became acquainted with Stanzel through his volunteer work. She described him as someone who loved hunting, fishing, and biking.

“He was such a good-hearted kid,” Mosher remarked.

The Upper Canada District School Board confirmed that Stanzel attended Perth District Collegiate Institute.

“This tragic event has deeply affected our community; we’re offering mental health support to students and staff as they deal with this sad news,” superintendent Marsha Mc Nair stated in an email sent Monday.

Friends of Stanzel planned to leave this cross at the location where his body was discovered. (Supplied by Tatianna Mosher)

Over the weekend, locals came together in their shared sense of disbelief.

“It’s shocking that kids are taking each other’s lives no matter where you’re from or who you are,” commented Peter Speak from Perth. “Just look around; it doesn’t seem like a place where violence happens.”

Daina Ramsey echoed similar sentiments saying she couldn’t wrap her head around what happened.

“Two young kids involved,” she noted sadly.

Accused can’t be identified

Two relatives of Stanzel who went to visit his memorial site on Sunday recognized him from social media photos but chose not to speak on record with CBC.

The teen accused of killing Stanzel remains in custody until her next court appearance scheduled for Oct.31 , according to Dickson.

Dickson did not provide details about how Stanzel died but confirmed that OPP “had evidence” sufficient for charging second-degree murder.

By Sunday , memorials had begun appearing near where Stanzel’s body was discovered.( Guy Quenneville/CBC )

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