Canada-wide search continues for man wanted in death of stepson

Mar 20, 2017 | News

By Krystal Mohan

A Canada-wide search warrant is expected today for a 43-year-old man, Justin Kuijer, in connection with the murder of his stepson in St. Catharines. Police in the Niagara Region say they have issued an arrest warrant against Kuijer for the murder of seven-year old Nathan Dumas, who was found injured on Friday and died in hospital the following day.

Police also say they have been looking for the same suspect over the weekend for another attempted murder. A female employee was stabbed at an RBC bank in St. Catharines on Friday.

Constable Phil Gavin of the Niagara police issued a statement to CBC saying they “consider [Kuijer] responsible for [Dumas’] death.” Police refused to elaborate but said that ”They [Kuijer and the bank employee] knew each other professionally.”

Friends and family of Nathan Dumas are preparing for the funeral and started a Go Fund Me page to collect funds for the family to cover the burial costs and help Nathan’s mother raising her other two children. The donations have already reached $12,000, only three thousand short of the target.

The page reads:

“Nathan would’ve celebrated his 8th birthday next week. Nathan was an energetic, loving and caring little boy who will never have his first girlfriend, graduate school or get married and have children.”

Dumas is survived by his two siblings and mother. The campaign is spreading awareness with the hashtag #JusticeforNathan.

Niagara Police is warning that Kuijer is armed, dangerous, and driving a 2009 grey Pontiac Montana van (pictured above). He is described as white, thin build, with a beard and long dark-coloured hair.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to keep their distance and contact police.