Assault charges in Welland upped to murder after victim’s death

Aggravated assault charges have been upgraded to second-degree murder charges following an alleged fatal assault incident in Welland.

Niagara Police say that just before midnight on May 5, 2021, officers were called to 260 King Street (between Albert Street and State Street) to respond to reports of a disturbance. According to police, officers located a lone male in his 50s suffering from critical injuries.

The man was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.

The victim, now identified by his family as Christopher McLaughlin, 54, succumbed to his injuries in the hospital on June 4. 

On May 8, with the assistance of the Waterloo Regional Police, Niagara Police arrested Larry Miles, 32, of Welland and transported him back to a Niagara station where he was charged with aggravated assault.

Police say a second suspect, Eric Fidler, 40, also of Welland was arrested and similarly charged with aggravated assault.

Those charges have since been upgraded to second-degree murder charges.

The charges have not yet been proven in court. 

Niagara Police are now asking anyone (residents or businesses) in the area with closed-circuit security cameras, doorbell video cameras, or dash cameras to review their footage for the period starting on May 5, 2021, at 11:00pm to 1:00am on May 6, 2021.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact the Niagara Police at (905) 688-4111, ext. 1009242 or Crime Stoppers of Niagara by calling 1-800-222-8477.