OBSTRUCTION CHARGE LAID FRIDAY IN JUSTIN EVANS DEATH

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

GRAVENHURST — A local man has been charged in the investigation involving the death Justin Evans, whose body was found May 19.

The OPP said Monday that last Friday May 28, the OPP charged 70-year-old Kenneth McKinney, of Gravenhurst, with Obstruct Justice under section 139(2) of the Criminal Code.

McKinney was released from custody and to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on July 13, 2021.

Police did not explain the charges in their release this afternoon.

In internet check describes the charge as: The offence of obstructing justice requires a wilful attempt by an accused, in any manner, to obstruct, pervert or defeat the course of justice. … In order to commit the offence of obstructing justice set out in Section 139(2), the accused must have the specific intent to obstruct justice.

Section 2 states: Every person who intentionally attempts in any manner other than a manner described in subsection (1) to obstruct, pervert or defeat the course of justice is guilty of

  1. (a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years; or
  2. (b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.

The OPP at Bracebridge, along with the Muskoka Crime Unit, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, began an investigation into the disappearance of 22-year-old Evans, of Gravenhurst, in December.

His remains were discovered by a hiker two weeks ago this Wednesday.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information should call Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

If you have any information regarding this crime or any other crime, you may also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.

 

Justin Evans, 22, went missing Dec. 12, 2020. Family and friends say on social media that the human remains found May 19 by a hiker in south Gravenhurst are those of the missing young man. Now a Gravenhurst man, Kenneth McKinney, has been charged with obstruction of justice in relation to the case.

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