Sault Police will not comment on why it took months to name Scott Devlin as a suspect in Mikaila Straatsma's death, but the chief of police says the department is putting all of its resources toward finding him.
On Monday, SooToday asked Chief Brent Duguay about the timing of issuing a Canada-wide warrant for Devlin, months after the death of his neighbour, 30-year-old Straatsma, who resided on the same floor in the same apartment building.
"We're actively looking for Mr. Devlin. He's wanted and obviously we're going to use all of the resources available to us to help local him and execute that warrant," Duguay said.
"It's an ongoing investigation and we're not going to be commenting much."
Devlin, who was reported missing on June 18, is now believed to have been involved in the homicide that was discovered by police on June 19 at a multi-unit residence building in the 731 Pine Street in Sault Ste. Marie, police said.
For months, Sault Police maintained that the missing person investigation and the homicide were two separate investigations, but now say 52-year-old Devlin is wanted on a warrant for second degree murder and indignity to a dead body.
He was officially named a suspect on Oct. 29, more than four months after Straatsma's body was found.
The first indication that Sault Police had linked the investigations occurred in late August when a search warrant was executed in Devlin's apartment and police confirmed it was issued in relation to the homicide.
"It's not television. We want to make sure we have all of our information sorted before we move anything forward,' said Duguay about the timing of the warrant.
In a news release describing the Canada-wide warrant, Sault Police said Devlin was last seen in the area of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and may still be in the Greater Toronto Area.
Sault Police spokesperson Lincoln Louttit said other police departments are aware of the warrant.
"We reached out to all of our colleagues in southern Ontario and they shared on their platforms, as well, to try to increase the visibility that he is wanted," said Louttit.
Anyone with information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts is urged to contact Sault Ste. Marie Police Service by calling (705) 949-6300.
Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at (705) 942-7867 or 1-800-222-8477. You can also click here to submit a web-tip or download the P3 app.
— with files from Greg McGrath-Goudie