Peterborough Police Chief Notifies Community After Homicide Suspects Released on Bail

Peterborough Police Service has issued a warning to the community that Josh Crane (L) and Dylan Moffatt, both charged with manslaughter in separate cases, have been released on bail. Peterborough Police Service handout photo

Police in Peterborough, Ont., have issued a warning after two men charged with manslaughter in separate cases have been released on bail.

Police said they were issuing the public warning as the crimes the men are charged with occurred in that community, but that the suspects will not be living in the community.

Peterborough Police Service (PPS) Chief Stuart Betts said he was releasing the information in the interest of public safety.

“Given the seriousness of the crimes, and strict conditions of release, I believe the community should be aware of their potential presence should they return to our city,” Betts said in a Sept. 18 notice.

Police say Josh Crane and Dylan Moffatt have each been released with conditions that “that, essentially, amount to house arrest.”

Crane has been charged with manslaughter in the death of a 25-year-old Peterborough man in August.

PPS said they responded to a parking lot in the Monaghan Road and Cameron Street area around 2 a.m. on Aug. 3.

When they arrived at the scene, officers learned the victim and a friend were walking in the area when they were confronted with between two and five youths, according to police. The victim was stabbed during the confrontation, and the youths fled from the scene, PPS said.

The victim was taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre where he died of his injuries.

Crane’s bail conditions include not leaving his residence unless there is a medical emergency. He has also been prohibited from possessing any weapons.

Two 17-year-olds were also charged in the case, police said.

Moffatt has been charged in the death of a 41-year-old man from Peterborough that happened over the May long weekend.

PPS said they were called out to the area of Brock Street and George Street North just before 10 p.m. on May 18.

At the scene, officers learned that there had been a verbal argument between the victim and a larger group. The argument “escalated to a physical altercation,” police said.

Police said the victim was taken to hospital but died of his injuries on May 19.

Three others have also been charged in the case.

Moffatt’s conditions include to remain in his home, except for medical emergencies, to meet with his lawyer, or for work.

He has also been prohibited from possession of a weapon and from communicating and being in the physical presence of people on list.

PPS said that both suspects are innocent until proven guilty in court.

“Officers will monitor these individuals to ensure their compliance with the conditions of their release, and if they are found to be in violation, they will be arrested and brought before the Courts,” Betts said.