An 81-year-old Peterborough man has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the disappearance of a Norland man more than two years ago.
Ontario Provincial Police say Michael Walker, 58, was reported missing on January 7, 2024, after a family member became concerned when they could not reach him.
Police launched a missing person investigation, but Walker remained missing despite extensive searches and investigative efforts.
As the investigation continued, officers say they gathered information that led them to believe his disappearance involved foul play.
On Wednesday, police charged Bazil Walker, 81, of Peterborough, with second-degree murder and indignity to a dead body.
The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Lindsay on Thursday, September 24.
Police have not released details about the relationship between the two men or said whether Michael Walker’s remains have been recovered.
The investigation is being conducted by the City of Kawartha Lakes OPP Crime Unit under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, with assistance from the Office of the Chief Coroner, the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service and OPP Forensic Identification Services.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the City of Kawartha Lakes OPP at 1-888-310-1122 and reference incident number E240026874.
Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
