Homicide detectives investigate suspicious death in Stoney Creek

Homicide detectives are investigating the suspicious death of a man whose body was found near Fruitland Road in Stoney Creek on Wednesday morning.

Hamilton police responded around 8:15 a.m. to a report of an unresponsive man in a culvert near Fruitland and North Service roads.

The man, believed to be between 25 and 35 years old, was pronounced dead at the scene. However, officers say they do not suspect he was killed there. Detectives would not elaborate on the nature of the man’s injuries.

“It was quite clear as soon as the police and emergency services arrived on scene that the male was deceased,” said Hamilton Police Det. Staff Sgt. Robert DiIanni. “The circumstances in which he was found prompted the homicide unit to get involved.”

The victim has been identified, but police are withholding his identity while they work to notify his next of kin.

“The circumstances surrounding how he was found, we’re suspecting foul play,” said DiIanni. “I can’t comment on the cause of death — the autopsy will be scheduled for another day.”

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The public is asked to avoid the area while investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

Hamilton police say investigators are also reviewing missing person reports.

Anyone who may have been in the area of Fruitland Road during the overnight hours or early morning of Wednesday and who saw anything suspicious is urged to come forward. Police are also asking residents and businesses in the area to review any surveillance, dash camera or doorbell camera video that may assist the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Lindsay Filice of the Homicide Unit at 905-546-2288 or by email at lfilice125@hamiltonpolice.ca.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.

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