Lanark County OPP are still seeking assistance concerning the suspicious death of Rose Kerwin in Pakenham November 12th, but yesterday police arrested and charged two individuals with her murder.
Marcel Lapensee, age 56 of Carleton Place, and Samantha Osborne, age 23 from Iroquois, have been charged with First Degree Murder, contrary to section 235(1) of the Criminal Code (CC).
The arrests, at this time of year, may bring some closure to Kerwin’s mourning family.
Her obituary has appeared in a recent edition of the Ottawa Citizen, which notes the strong familial ties: “Aunt to seven nieces and nephews. Niece to many Aunts and Uncles. Rose proudly accomplished her medical certificate in Phlebotomy Laboratories Blood work. She especially enjoyed giving quality care to seniors. In keeping with family wishes a private ceremony will take place. Special thanks to Victim Services of Lanark County and Regional Support Team Of Ontario Provincial Police for their continued efforts.”
In a separate investigation, both Lapensee and Osborne have also been charged in relation to a sexual assault of another victim, which was reported on November 15th.
The pair face charges in this incident of Forcible confinement, Sexual assault, and Uttering threats to cause bodily harm.
Both accused appeared at a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth uyesterday (December 19th)
In the matter of Rose Kerwin’s death, investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the Lanark County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Staff collaboration. Summary by Rick Stow