Homicide investigation continues at nature preserve near Petrolia

Homicide investigation continues at nature preserve near Petrolia

An homicide investigation by Lambton OPP is centered on a nature preserve near the Enniskillen Township community of Marthaville.

Police said officers were called out at 7 am Thursday by a report of deceased person in a parking lot on Marthaville Road, not far from Petrolia.

On Friday, the OPP identified the victim as Andrew Chute, 45, of Sarnia.

“Investigators believe this to be a targeted incident at this time, and there is no threat to public safety,” the OPP said in a news release.

OPP vehicles are shown Thursday near the Marthaville Habitat Management Area near Petrolia on a section of Marthaville Road police closed for a death investigation that is being treated as a homicide.
OPP vehicles are shown Thursday near the Marthaville Habitat Management Area near Petrolia on a section of Marthaville Road police closed for a death investigation that is being treated as a homicide. Photo by Paul Morden /The Observer

Thursday and Friday, police vehicles were parked on the road near the entrance to the Marthaville Habitat Management Area on a section of the road, between Lasalle and Churchill lines, closed to traffic.

The habitat is a rehabilitated gravel pit owned by Lambton County, and managed by the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority, that includes wetlands, forest and tall grass prairie, as well as a three-kilometre trail.

Police said Friday its investigation was continuing with assistance of the Chief Coroner of Ontario.

Police have asked that anyone with information about the death contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

pso1