Charge upgraded to murder after fatal 2025 St. Catharines assault

A St. Catharines man is now facing a second-degree murder charge after another man, seriously injured in an alleged assault late last year, died in hospital.

Niagara police say 54-year-old Jack Legault was allegedly assaulted on Nov. 2, 2025 in the area of Queenston Street and Eastchester Avenue in St. Catharines.

Legault was transported to an out-of-region hospital with serious injuries.

Richard Taylor, 36, was initially arrested and charged with assault causing bodily harm and failing to comply with a probation order. He was held for a bail hearing and has remained in custody since that time.

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As the investigation continued, his charge was upgraded to aggravated assault.

But on Dec. 15, 2025, Legault died as a result of the injuries he sustained in the alleged assault.

Niagara police’s homicide unit then took over the investigation and upgraded Taylor’s charge to second-degree murder Wednesday.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service’s Homicide Unit at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009590.

To provide information anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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