Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigators are asking the public to come forward if they have had any interactions with two individuals charged with murder and sexual assault in the Carleton Place/Pakenham area.
On Nov. 12, 2023, the body of Rose Kerwin, 50, was found in the Mississippi River near Pakenham. Nov. 15, police received a report of a sexual assault in Carleton Place.
OPP are concerned there may be more victims and investigators want to hear from anyone who may have had any interaction, including online, with the suspects.
OPP have now released photos of two individuals who were arrested Dec. 19. Facing charges of first-degree murder and sexual assault are 56-year-old Marcel Lapensee of Carleton Place and 23-year-old Samantha Osborne of Iroquois. The charges have not been proven in court.
Police say the accused both used aliases on social media, including ‘Maxx Power’ and ‘Sammi.’
The search for Kerwin’s vehicle, described as a 2013 Mazda GX four-door sedan with licence plate CSXW 383, continues.
The Lanark County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is continuing its investigation, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), with assistance from East Region Criminal Operations, and OPP Forensic Identification Services (FIS), in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OFPS).
OPP Victim Specialists are providing support to persons impacted by these incidents.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the dedicated tip line at 1-844-677-9400 or the OPP non-emergency number at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
(Written by: Sherry Haaima)