Third arrest made in double homicide at Fort Erie Airbnb

Niagara police have arrested a third person in connection with a double murder at a Fort Erie Airbnb.

Twenty-year-old Trevor Barnett, of Scarborough, has been charged with accessory after the fact to murder in the deaths of Julianna Pannunzio, 19, and Christine Crooks, 18.

Police responded to reports of shots being fired at a short-term rental shortly after 4 a.m. on Jan. 19.

When officers arrived, they discovered the bodies of Pannunzio and Crooks with “obvious signs of trauma.” Both women died at the scene from gunshot wounds.

Investigators determined a group of individuals from outside the Niagara Region were illegally gathered at the home for a birthday party.

“Some of the people in attendance that night have still refused to cooperate. Police are strongly encouraging those individuals to finally come forward and speak with detectives at this time,” said Niagara police in a news release.

Last week, Niagara police confirmed that with the assistance of Toronto Police, 22-year-old Christopher Lucas was arrested in connection with the deaths. Lucas, an aspiring rapper from Scarborough who also goes by the name “El Paga”, faces two counts of first-degree murder.

Thirty-year-old Heidi Bahler, of Scarborough, has also been charged with accessory after the fact to murder and obstruct justice.

Back in August, police revealed two people who had been photographed inside the home the night of the murders had been identified. However, police said no further information regarding their identity would be released “to preserve the integrity of the investigation.”

The $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murders is still in effect.

Anyone with information that could help with the investigation is asked to contact Niagara Regional Police Service Homicide Unit Tip Line at 289-248-1058.

Barnett is scheduled to appear in a St. Catharines courtroom on Thursday.

At the time of his arrest, police say Barnett was with 25-year-old Tanae Brown and both were found to be in possession of illegal drugs. They are both facing a charge of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

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