The Perth & District Union Public Library’s Community Safety Working Group is encouraging community members to seek support as court proceedings continue following the death of 15-year-old Reese Stanzel.
Stanzel was killed on Oct. 25, 2024. Lanark County OPP responded to the area of Sherbrooke Street East and Herriott Street in Perth shortly after 3 p.m. and found his body in a wooded area near the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks.
A 16-year-old was arrested at a nearby home and initially charged with second-degree murder. The charge was later upgraded to first-degree murder.
The accused cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act
The case was originally scheduled to proceed to trial in November 2026. However, the accused pleaded guilty to first-degree murder before it began.
In July, Justice Brian Abrams heard sentencing recommendations from the Crown and defence.
Both sides recommended a sentence involving five years of secure custody followed by four years of community supervision. The recommendation also includes 12 months of credit for time already spent in custody, based on 641 days at the time of the July hearing.
Abrams is expected to deliver a sentencing decision August 27th.
The group says the ongoing proceedings may bring feelings of sadness, grief, anger, anxiety, confusion or renewed loss.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to create opportunities for open, age-appropriate conversations with young people, listen without judgment and seek additional support if they notice changes in a young person’s mood, behaviour or well-being.
The Perth & District Union Public Library maintains a Community Resources Directory with information on local mental health, counselling, youth and family supports, crisis services, housing, food security and other resources.
The working group is also asking community members to be thoughtful about what they share, post or respond to on social media as the court process continues.
It says comments shared online can unintentionally cause further harm to youth, families, classmates and others who are grieving.
The group is encouraging residents to care for themselves and one another during the upcoming sentencing period.
