Orillia OPP lay first-degree murder charge in 'historic' case going back over 12 years
Orillia OPP has laid a charge of first-degree murder in the death of a man who was first reported missing more than 12 years ago.
On Monday, provincial police charged 62-year-old Antonino Lucia from Woodbridge, Ont., in connection to the death of Morris Conte.
Conte was last seen in Caledon in May 2010. He was 45 years old and a father of four at the time of his disappearance.
According to his family at the time, Conte was meeting up with Lucia before he died.
"Apparently, going for a coffee," said Beth Conte, Morris Conte's former wife.
Police say Conte's remains were discovered spread out in both the Sugarbush area of Oro-Medonte and on Maplehurst Road in Lake of Bays Township the following day, May 22, 2010. Then, on May 28, additional remains were found on Stoneleigh Road in Bracebridge.
The remains were confirmed to be Conte's through a post-mortem investigation.
Police had said his remains were left in locations where they would be easily found. Investigators said his murder and what was done with his body may have been a message or warning to others.
In July 2011, police arrested Sam Lucia and charged him with accessory after death and committing an indignity to a human body.
The charges against Sam Lucia, Antonino Lucia's son, were later withdrawn.
Police say the case is far from closed.
"The investigation is still ongoing, and a $50,000 reward is still being offered," noted OPP Sgt. Brett Boniface.
Anyone with any details to share, big or small, is asked to contact OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
With files from CTV's Mike Arsalides
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.