Two Ottawa Men Wanted in Connection with Perth Park Killing
Ottawa-area investigators are seeking two men from Ottawa in connection with a homicide that left a 34-year-old man dead earlier this month in the nearby town of Perth.
Christo Allison Richards was discovered with life-threatening injuries at Last Duel Park in Perth on April 12. Despite being rushed to hospital, Richards did not survive his injuries and was later pronounced dead. Authorities have since classified the case as a homicide and have now issued arrest warrants for two Ottawa men believed to be involved.
What We Know About the Incident
Last Duel Park, a well-known green space in the historic town of Perth, Ontario — roughly 80 kilometres southwest of Ottawa — became the scene of the violent incident earlier this month. Richards, who was 34 years old, was found at the park in distress and transported to hospital, where he later died.
Police have not publicly released details about the nature of Richards' injuries or the circumstances that led to his death, but the investigation has moved swiftly enough for authorities to identify two suspects and seek warrants for their arrest.
Ottawa Connection at the Centre of the Investigation
While the incident took place in Perth, the focus of the investigation has shifted to Ottawa, with both suspects believed to have ties to Canada's capital. Perth is located within Lanark County and falls under the jurisdiction of the Ontario Provincial Police, but investigations involving Ottawa-area residents often require coordination with Ottawa Police Service.
The OPP has not yet released the names of the two men for whom warrants have been issued, and it is unclear at this time whether they remain in the Ottawa area or have left the region.
Community Impact
Last Duel Park holds cultural significance in Perth — it is named after the site of the last fatal duel fought in Canada, which took place there in 1833. The park is typically a peaceful gathering place for locals and visitors alike, making the violent incident particularly shocking for residents of the small community.
Perth, with a population of around 6,000, is a popular destination for Ottawa residents on weekend getaways. The town is known for its heritage architecture, the Tay River, and its proximity to cottage country. News of the homicide has unsettled both Perth locals and those in the broader Ottawa region who frequent the area.
What's Next
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the death of Christo Allison Richards or the whereabouts of the two Ottawa men named in the arrest warrants to contact the Ontario Provincial Police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge about the events leading up to the fatal incident. If you have information that could assist police, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or reach Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
Source: Ottawa Citizen
