Family of murdered man found dismembered in Oro-Medonte, Muskoka, seeks answers with arrest
Warning: Some readers may find the details in this article disturbing.
The family of a man whose body was discovered dismembered and scattered in Oro-Medonte and Muskoka more than 12 years ago say it hopes to find closure with a recent arrest in the historic case.
Last week, police charged Antonino Lucia, 62, of Woodbridge, Ont., with first-degree murder in the death of Morris Conte.
In a statement to police, the Conte family said it has endured "pain and anger" since Morris' "brutal" death.
"It has been especially hard on our elderly parents, but with the news we received last week, we feel relieved and hopeful that we will finally have some answers to our many questions."
- Download our app to get local alerts to your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Morris Conte was 45 at the time of his death and a father of four. He disappeared in May 2010.
That same month, police said the Bolton man's remains were found in fields in Oro-Medonte and Lake of Bays townships - roughly two hours apart by car. Days later, police said a contractor found more body parts on the side of a road near Bracebridge.
In 2011, the victim's mother broke her silence to appeal for information on her son's murder.
"I think of Morris every day, and I cry. I miss him. I miss him so much," she said, standing beside her other son, Morris' twin. "What did he do to deserve this? Did he suffer?"
Police had previously charged 27-year-old Sam Lucia in 2011 with accessory after death and committing an indignity to a human body. Those charges were later withdrawn.
Police say the case is far from closed and offers a $50,000 reward for information.
Lucia stood in the prisoner's box in court Tuesday morning with the Crown promising historical disclosure during the trial. He is scheduled for another appearance in an Orangeville, Ont. courtroom on Nov. 1.
"We pray that justice will be served and that we can finally move forward with our lives again," the family stated.
"As old wounds and grief are resurrected with this news, we ask that our privacy please be respected during this difficult time," the statement concluded.
The allegations against Antonino Lucia have yet to be tested in court.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Jeremy Skibicki has 'uphill battle' to prove he's not criminally responsible in Winnipeg killings: legal analysts
Accused killer Jeremy Skibicki could have a challenging time convincing a judge that he is not criminally responsible for the deaths of four Indigenous women, a legal analyst says.
Indian envoy warns of 'big red line,' days after charges laid in Nijjar case
India's envoy to Canada insists relations between the two countries are positive overall, despite what he describes as 'a lot of noise.'
Alcohol believed to be a factor in boating incident after 2 men die: N.S. RCMP
Two Nova Scotia men are dead after a boat they were travelling in sank in the Annapolis River in Granville Centre, N.S., on Monday.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Air France flight from Paris to Seattle lands in Iqaluit after heat smell in cabin
A plane travelling from Paris to Seattle was forced to make an emergency landing in Iqaluit after there was a heat smell in the cabin during the flight.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.