Windsor police say the investigation into the disappearance and murder of 37-year-old David Pavao has expanded to northern Ontario as officers search for a third person believed to be connected to the case.
Windsor Police Staff Sgt. Joe Faddoul said on Friday that Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are assisting Windsor’s Major Crimes Unit with a search in a wooded area north of Kirkland Lake.
“Major crime investigators are also seeking to locate a third individual only known to us as Colin,” Faddoul said during a media conference.
“He’s believed to be connected to this case. Colin is described as a male, white, in his 20s, with a distinct flower tattoo on one of his hands, possibly his right hand.”
Faddoul said police aren’t sure if Colin is a suspect, but he’s considered a person of interest.
“The little information we have about Colin is that he lives in Windsor,” Faddoul said. “Whether he’s originally from Windsor or not, we don’t know. He frequents in and around the west end and downtown. It’s a really vague description… Right now, we’re not sure his full role in this offence.”
Police say the search in northern Ontario is part of an ongoing effort to locate evidence in the case, including Pavao’s remains.
“Whether the search reveals the body, weapons, whatever the case may be, we’re not 100 per cent sure,” Faddoul said. “What OPP is doing is conducting a search for evidence for us right now.”
Two people have already been charged in connection with Pavao’s death.
Shane Ladouceur, 54, faces first-degree murder and indecent interference with a dead body charges.
Marie Christine Hannah, 49, is charged with accessory after the fact to murder and indecent interference with a dead body.
Both remain in custody.
Investigators believe Pavao died in a home at 1057 Felix Ave., which remains under forensic examination. Police confirmed they have recovered a murder weapon but have not said what it is.
Faddoul said the case is particularly difficult to prove without a body, but evidence gathered so far supports the charges.
“A crime like this without a body becomes extremely complex,” he said. “But based on the great work these investigators have done, based on the evidence and information we have, and the witnesses that have come forward, I am more than confident that these charges will withstand the scrutiny in court.”
Faddoul said investigators applied for warrants covering health and banking records that showed no recent activity, which, along with family accounts of no contact, led police to conclude that Pavao is deceased.
“That in its totality leads us to believe that Mr. Pavao is no longer with us,” he said.
Police say the accused were friends of Pavao’s and were previously known to officers. The motive has been identified but remains undisclosed.
Faddoul said the investigation is ongoing, noting more arrests and charges are possible.
“We’re two months in,” he explained. “If there are more people that are going to be arrested, they will be. But at this point, we’re focusing on what we have currently.”
‘The most daunting homicide’
Faddoul described the case as the most difficult of his career.
“This is probably the most daunting homicide I’ve ever been a part of,” he said. “To be two months in, to have investigators working almost around the clock every day, kind of speaks to the complexity of this homicide and the fact that we’re here today with two people under arrest.”
Inspector of Investigations Jennifer Crosby said the major crimes team has worked “tirelessly” since Pavao’s disappearance on Aug. 14.
“Their dedication, professionalism and perseverance have been critical to driving this complex case forward and achieving today’s outcome,” Crosby said. “While nothing can ease the pain of losing a loved one, we hope that these charges bring some measure of peace to David Pavao’s family and friends.”
Police say Pavao came from a large family with relatives in Windsor’s west end and Essex County.
Anyone with information about the case or about Colin’s identity or whereabouts is asked to contact the Windsor Police Major Crimes Unit or Crime Stoppers.
