Murder suspect one of Canada’s most-wanted in case of body found north of Brampton

Brampton | Caledon | Crime | Latest News |

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Published May 1, 2023 at 1:59 pm

A $50,000 reward is being offered to help track down the alleged killer of Frederick “John” Hatch, a 65-year-old found burned in a ditch north of Brampton seven years ago.

Shortly after 7:00 a.m. on Dec. 17, 2015, the OPP says fire and emergency crews were called to a brush fire near 10th Line and Wellington Road 124, approximately 40 kilometres north of Brampton.

But while firefighters were on the scene they discovered the remains of 65-year-old Frederick “John” Hatch partially burned in a ditch. Hatch was described by police as having a “transient lifestyle,” often hitchhiking and staying with acquaintances when possible.

The pensioner was last seen on Dec. 16 in Nepean in the area of West Hunt Club Rd. and Merivale Rd. Police said Hatch was wearing a denim vest and black leather jacket with Mickey Mouse characters on the back, a blue and black bandana, black Harley Davidson boots and a red duffel bag.

The OPP says the remains of 65-year-old Frederick “John” Hatch partially burned in a ditch near Erin, Ont. on Dec. 17, 2015.

Then in 2020, police announced they had identified a suspect in Hatch’s death, saying St. Albert man Danick Miguel Bourgeois was wanted on a Canada-Wide Arrest Warrant for second-degree murder.

Bourgeois is number 13 on Canada’s most-wanted list which was updated on Monday (May 1) and a $50,000 reward is being offered by the Province for information leading to an arrest in Hatch’s murder.

Bourgeois is described as standing approximately 173 cm tall (5’8”), weighing 67 kg (148 lbs) with brown eyes and black hair.

He speaks both English and French and police say Bourgeois, now 31 years old, is from eastern Ontario but could be anywhere in Canada.

Anyone with information on this case or on the whereabouts of Bourgeois is asked to contact the OPP at 1-833-517-8477. You can also leave tips anonymously by contacting CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or visiting online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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