People in the quiet town of Perth, Ontario, were dealing with the sudden death of a local teenager and the murder charge against a second teenager this weekend.

On Friday, Ontario Provincial Police officers responding to a call on the outskirts of the community southwest of Ottawa discovered a body later identified as 15-year-old Reese Stanzel.

Shortly afterwards, the police arrested a 16-year-old man at a house in the area.

Stanzel’s body was found near Herriot Street, a dirt road leading to what is known locally as a hangout for young people, according to former Perth mayor John Fenik.

Fenik visited the site on Sunday where the police tape still blocked the road and where well-wishers had left flowers and a stuffed toy.

“Emotional Dizzy”

“I think like all citizens of Perth, when I heard this news, I was shocked and emotionally numb,” Fenik told CBC at the scene.

“That’s something that doesn’t happen in this community. It’s a safe community. It’s a close-knit community. We look out for each other.”

For several residents, the fact that another teenager was charged with second-degree murder only deepened the sense of shock.

Because of her age, she cannot be publicly identified.

Although Fenik did not know Stanzel’s family or the 16-year-old charged with his murder, he said the death left the city in disbelief.

“People’s lives are being shattered right now, and it’s going to take a while for the pain to heal, for people to move on with things,” he said.

Outside a supermarket on Sunday, locals were united in their sense of shock.

“It’s shocking that no matter where you are or who you are, that children are killing children,” Perth resident Peter Speak said. “Look at this town. It doesn’t look like a criminal haven.”

Daina Ramsey also said she couldn’t believe what had happened.

“Two small children,” she said. – It’s a tragedy.

The accused cannot be identified

Two of Stanzel’s relatives, who visited the scene of his death Sunday, identified the teenager in photos shared on social media, but declined to speak to CBC.

The photos depict a young man apparently interested in outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing.

The teenager accused of killing Stanzel was taken into custody Saturday pending her next court appearance scheduled for Oct. 31, Dickson said.

While Dickson would not comment on how Stanzel died, he said the OPP “had evidence” to warrant a charge of second-degree murder.