WELLINGTON COUNTY – Residents here may soon notice billboards bearing the mugshot of 29-year-old Danick Miguel Bourgeois, who police allege killed Frederick “John” Hatch.
Hatch’s partially-burned body was discovered on the morning of Dec. 17, 2015 after Erin fire responded to a brush fire call in a wooded area next to Wellington Road 124, by 10th Line, north of Erin Village.
According to police, Hatch was last seen a day before, on Dec. 16, in the Ottawa district of Nepean, about 450km away from where the 65 year-old’s body was found.
Police are now returning to tactics used then, including billboards, to aid in their investigation.
But instead of seeking witnesses, the billboards are being used this time to help find Bourgeois, who was charged with second degree murder in 2020, and currently has a Canada-wide arrest warrant hanging over him.
A charitable foundation has “stepped up” to help police with what’s being called “the BOLO Program,” states an Oct. 18 OPP press release.
Starting this month the “be-on-the-lookout-for” (BOLO) program will allow for what the OPP release states are “strategically-placed billboards and electronic message boards in eastern Ontario, western Quebec and Wellington County.”
Police messaging will also be shared over social media websites.
A $50,000 reward continues to be up for grabs for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for the murder of Hatch.
Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Bourgeois can call 1-833-517-8477 or dial 911.
To remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington at 1-800-222-8477 or visit csgw.tips.
Police advise anyone who sees Bourgeois to call police and not approach him.
