Hamilton man charged in Lincoln wine maker’s death: OPP

Niagara | Hamilton | Lincoln | Ontario | Crime | Police |

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Published February 7, 2022 at 11:11 am

A Hamilton man is facing a second-degree murder charge in connection to the sudden death of popular winemaker Paul Pender last week.

According to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) the incident occurred last Thursday (Feb. 3) at a home in Selkirk.

Members of the Haldimand OPP detachment were called to a home on Smelsers Cove Lane where 54-year-old Pender was pronounced dead.

A cause of death has not been released but the OPP have now charged 31-year-old Bradley House of Hamilton with second-degree murder.

House is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cayuga at a later date to answer to the charge.

The incident is still under investigation by the Haldimand County OPP Crime Unit and the OPP Forensic Identification Services Unit, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch and in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario.

For the past 15 years, Pender has been the Director of Viticulture and Winemaking for Lincoln’s Tawse Estate and its sister vineyard Redstone Winery.

His death has prompted an outpouring of grief among his colleagues and community.

Tawse Estate owner Moray Tawse said in a release:

“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of our colleague and friend Paul Pender, who passed away on February 4, 2022. Paul died unexpectedly under tragic circumstances. We will all miss him more than words can express. He was not just our manager but our good friend as well.”

Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton said: “On behalf of Town Council and Staff, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Paul’s family, friends and colleagues; as we know this heartbreaking loss will be deeply felt by many.”

Officers investigating Pender’s death are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have information to assist with the investigation, to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Those wishing to remain anonymous, may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.helpsolvecrime.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

— with a file from Don Redmond

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