Murder investigation begins after St. Catharines man succumbs to ‘suspicious injuries’

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Published September 9, 2022 at 7:34 pm

niagara police

The investigation into a St Catharines man’s “suspicious injuries” has evolved into a murder case after the victim succumbed to his wounds.

Niagara Police found Raymond “Ray” Riley, 31, in medical distress around 1:30 a.m. August 27 near Queenston St and Riordon St, a hybrid area of houses, apartments and businesses.

Investigators believe Riley was walking down Queenston St with an unidentified woman just prior to being injured.

Niagara Emergency Medical Services paramedics rushed Riley to hospital. As of the first NRPS release about the investigation, Riley remained in hospital in critical condition.

On September first one of Riley’s family members contacted police to report that he remained in hospital and that his injuries were suspicious.

However, per an announcement on September 9, Riley succumbed to his injuries the previous day. As a result the Niagara Police Homicide unit has taken over the investigation.

Police are calling on the public for help tracking Riley’s movements the night he was injured and to help ascertain the cause of his wounds.

NRPS described Riley as a white man, standing six feet tall and weighing about 160 lbs. He had brown medium length wavy hair. He had dark coloured facial hair, hazel eyes and tattoos on his left hand.

When taken to hospital he was wearing  black canvas, casual shoes with white outsole, black Champion socks with pink lettering, black Ecko Unltd. sweatpants, black Nike shorts with grey stripe down either side, and a black baseball hat with large Marvel Avengers design.

Niagara police say they have two suspects, who they have not identified. They urge the pair to  get a lawyer and turn themselves in.

Anyone who saw Riley on August 27 can reach Niagara police at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext 1009134 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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