Timmins police say they arrested a man wanted on first-degree murder just hours after appealing to the public about his whereabouts.
A Canada-wide warrant was issued for Dale Head, 38, in connection with a suspicious death last week, Timmins Police Service said in a news release just after 5 p.m. Monday.
“While there was evidence to suggest he had fled Timmins, Head later returned to the area,” police said.
“Throughout this time, police received numerous tips from the public, which played a significant role in tracking his movements.”
He was found around 8:15 p.m. in the area of Riverpark Road and Airport Road and taken into custody without incident.
Accused of homicide
Head has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Paula Mallette, 57.
Her remains were found in a home in the Algonquin Boulevard and Preston Street area March 18.
The suspicious death was upgraded to a homicide three days later following an autopsy.
In a news conference held Tuesday about the case, police said Mallette sustained blunt force trauma from a weapon that was not a firearm.
“It was also confirmed that Head and the victim were acquaintances and that this incident was not drug-motivated,” police added.
Investigators have executed several search warrants at multiple residences, vehicles and parcels of rural land where they said they found “valuable evidence.”
“Police also gathered surveillance footage from dashcams, local businesses and police-operated cameras, which helped establish key details surrounding the incident,” officials said.
Det. Sgt. Kevin Clement said a weapon was used in the murder.
“I can tell you that it wasn’t a firearm,” Clement said.
“We won’t be getting into specifics with regards to the weapon.”
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“First and foremost, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Paula Mallette. This has been an incredibly difficult time for them, and our thoughts remain with those affected by this tragic loss,” police said.
“The Timmins Police Service would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the public for their cooperation and assistance throughout this investigation. The numerous tips and information provided were instrumental in leading to this arrest.”
Inspt. Darren Dinel said the incident was isolated.
“These individuals do know one another and although it is tragic, it is isolated to the extent that these people knew each other, there was no public safety concerns before or after this incident happened,” Dinel said.
It wasn’t an incident that should “diminish (public’s) sense of safety,” Dinel added.
“This is a homicide. Our last homicide previous to this would have been March 2023.”
Head is scheduled to appear in court via video on Friday.
The murder charge has not been proven in court.
“The investigation remains ongoing as police continue to process evidence related to the case,” police said.
