The head of the Niagara Regional Police Service’s homicide unit says it’s “deeply concerning” that a 27-year-old Hamilton woman’s body was found in a rural ditch.
Staff Sgt. Andrew Knevel told CBC Hamilton Jessica St. Jules, of Hamilton, was found on June 8 on the west side of Nineteenth Street, in the town of Lincoln.
He said she had strong ties to Hamilton, where police believe she lived.
Knevel added St. Jules was in Hamilton within the last week.
St. Jules survived by mother, daughter and siblings
Knevel said the investigation is still in its early stages and police will be canvassing the area.
“It’s a very large area to cover with houses spaced out far from each other, but we’re covering off that entire area looking for CCTV footage,” he said.
Police searched Nineteenth Street, between Seventh and Eighth, and said there’s risk to public safety.
There are no suspects or persons of interest and it’s unclear how she ended up in Niagara.
He also said there’s been a post-mortem but the cause of her death is still under investigation.
Knevel said anyone who may have been travelling north and south on Nineteenth Street on June 7 and 8 and has dashcam footage should contact police.
Knevel said St. Jules is survived by her daughter, mother and siblings.
This is Niagara Region’s seventh homicide of the year.