BRANTFORD Brantford police said they are now investigating a homicide after an assault victim died early Monday morning.
Police said Peter Pottruff, 49, of Brantford died in hospital as a result of serious head injuries sustained during an assault.
At the time, police said Pottruff was hit in the head with a baseball bat at about 6 pm on May 25 in a wooded area behind the civic center between the asphalt walking path and the Grand River.
Police also issued a public appeal seeking help identifying a male suspect in the assault.
Police said their investigation revealed the victim was involved in property dispute with a group of people. The suspects fled prior to police arriving.
Police said a number of people were in the area at the time of the assault and are hoping to speak with them.
“Based on the information provided to date, police do not believe this was a random attack, and feel that those who were present at the time of the assault may have valuable information that will assist in identifying the person(s) responsible,” police said in a news release.
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact Det. John Allan at 519-756-7050, ext. 2266.
Additionally, information can also be provided anonymously to Brant – Brantford Crime Stoppers by calling 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477 or by submitting a web tip online at: www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/