Police arrest suspect in connection to attempted murder after 13-day manhunt in Hamilton

Published February 23, 2021 at 8:21 pm

After a manhunt spanning nearly two weeks, Hamilton Police have arrested 27-year-old Jason Anthony Long in relation to an attempted murder that occurred at 646 Main St. East on the evening of February 10, 2021.

Additionally, a woman has been arrested and charged with Accessory After The Fact to Attempt Murder—both are scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday (February 24).

On Tuesday (Feb. 23), police said the 30-year-old victim is still on life support and his prognosis is “not favourable.”

“Decisions are to be made on whether medical intervention will be withdrawn,” added police. “Should the victim succumb to his injuries the current charges against 33-year-old Madelene Peternel will be upgraded to First Degree Murder, and the charges on the arrest warrant for Jason Long will also be amended.”

Peternel is the widow of Tony Divers, the man shot to death by police on Sept. 30, 2016. The officer who pulled the trigger was cleared by the SIU of any criminal wrongdoings in 2017.

As for the current incident, investigators say they continue to review hundreds of hours of surveillance footage from around the crime scene and are awaiting forensic results as they work towards identifying the third suspect.

The victim’s Acura, which was previously reported stolen, was recovered on February 12, 2021, in the area of King Street East and Connaught Avenue.

At approximately 11 p.m. on February 10, police say a 30-year-old male attended 646 Main St East, “which was the residence of an acquaintance.”

When he was invited inside, the victim was viciously attacked by the assailants, according to police.

“Two of the individuals involved in the attack stole the victim’s keys and left the area in the victim’s white Acura sedan,” said Hamilton Police. “Another individual attended the residence as the beating was taking place and attempted to intervene but he was unable to assist.”

Police say a call was made to 9-1-1 as a result of the disturbance.

When police attended the scene, one of the assailants reportedly jumped out a window to escape.

Meanwhile, a male was arrested near the scene as it was initially believed that he was involved, however, upon further investigation, police say it was determined he was merely a witness, and he was released.

“The victim was transported to a local hospital where he underwent life-saving surgery,” said Hamilton Police. “He is still listed as being in critical condition.”

The 33-year-old female resident of the apartment, Madelene Peternel, also known as Madelene Divers, returned to the scene and was arrested, according to police.

She has been charged with attempted murder and robbery.

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