UPDATE: On Nov. 26, 2025, the young person admitted guilt to first-degree murder. Sentencing proceedings have been set for February.
A 16-year-old girl linked to the death of 15-year-old Reese Stanzel near Ottawa last month is now facing a first-degree murder charge, according to Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) on Thursday.
On Oct. 25, officers responded to a call on the outskirts of Perth, Ont., where they found a body later confirmed to be Stanzel’s. Shortly after, police apprehended the 16-year-old at a nearby residence and initially charged her with second-degree murder.
OPP stated that their ongoing investigation led them to elevate the charge. First-degree murder indicates that the killing was “planned and deliberate,” as defined by the Criminal Code.
Authorities did not provide additional details about what they discovered that caused this change and mentioned that the investigation is still active.
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Reese Stanzel, 15, was killed on Oct. 25, 2024, in the town of Perth, Ont. (Facebook)
The accused remains in custody, police reported. Her identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which restricts publication of names for individuals under 18 in most situations.
The events surrounding this incident have shocked many residents in Lanark County, which has about 6,500 people and is located roughly 85 kilometers southwest of downtown Ottawa.
OPP continues to request patience from the public and urges people not to share unverified information since they cannot discuss evidence or motives at this time.
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