UPDATE 1 – 35-year-old in Custody After Stabbing Incident on Queen Street – Niagara Falls
Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) detectives assigned to 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake) Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the stabbing incident that occurred in Niagara Falls on March 27, 2025.
During the initial investigation, officers arrested Luizao Miguel CASTRO based on physical evidence at the scene and an outstanding warrant for an unrelated matter. However, as the investigation progressed and additional evidence was obtained, it was determined that CASTRO was not responsible for the stabbing. As a result, all charges related to the stabbing were withdrawn.
Niagara Regional Police Service Detectives assigned to 2 District worked collaboratively with Detectives from Toronto Police Service (TPS) 52 Division to identify a suspect. On Sunday, March 30, 2025, the accused individual, Mackenzie DUNCAN, was arrested by the Toronto Police Service (TPS).
On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, NRPS detectives charged Mackenzie DUNCAN (23 years) of Toronto, with the following criminal offenses in relation to the stabbing incident:
Attempt Murder Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose Fail to comply with Release Order
DUNCAN was held in custody and is scheduled to attend a bail hearing on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West.
As previously mentioned, Luizao Miguel CASTRO (35 years) of No Fixed Address was arrested on an outstanding warrant and remains charged in an unrelated matter.
CASTRO attended a bail hearing on Friday, March 28, 2025, via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church Street in the City of St. Catharines where he was remanded into custody.
This investigation remains on-going by detectives with 2 District CIB who are supported by detectives in the Forensic Services Unit (FSU).
The victim has been released from hospital and is recovering at home. Detectives would like to thank members of the community for their assistance in this matter.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact detectives by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009639.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to people who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
#25-31441
ORIGINAL RELEASE – March 28, 2025
On March 27, 2025, at 8:45pm Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) officers assigned to 2 District (Niagara Falls / Niagara-on-the-Lake) responded to a disturbance located on Queen Street near Erie Avenue, in the City of Niagara Falls.
Upon arrival, officers located a 66-year-old City of Toronto resident suffering from stab wounds. Niagara Emergency Medical Service (NEMS) paramedics responded to the scene and ultimately transported the male victim suffering from life threatening injuries to an out-of-town trauma center for advanced medical care. The victim remains in hospital after undergoing lifesaving surgery and is currently in stable condition.
Investigation determined that the suspect stabbed the victim multiple times by an unknown attacker while sitting on a park bench. The suspect proceeded to flee from the scene on foot, resulting in the NRPS Canine Unit being requested to attend. At 9:10pm, with the assistance of the Canine unit, together with uniform patrol officers, the suspect was located on St. Clair Avenue near Queen Street in the City of Niagara Falls and placed under arrest. Further investigation revealed that the suspect had outstanding warrants for failing to comply with probation and release.
The involved weapon remains outstanding. Investigation remains ongoing.
Luizao Miguel CASTRO (35 years) of No Fixed Address has been arrested and is charged with the following Criminal Code Offences:
• Aggravated assault
• Fail to comply with Release Order
• Fail to comply with Probation Order
CASTRO is being held in custody and is scheduled to attend a bail hearing on Friday, March 28, 2025, via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church Street in the City of St. Catharines.
Detectives assigned to the 2 District Criminal Investigative Branch have assumed carriage of the investigation. They are being assisted by members from the Forensic Services Unit. Anyone with information is asked to contact the lead detective by dialing 905-688-4111, option 3, 1009639.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
