Police Lay Charges in Overdose Death

Two suspects arrested, one accused of manslaughter

Two people are facing charges in connection with an overdose death. 

Police say on December 30th, officers received a call about a man in medical distress after consuming illicit drugs. 

He was taken to hospital, and died the next day. 

In February 2023, the Opioid Enforcement and Education Unit took over the case. 

With the help of the Coroner's Office and the Centre of Forensic Sciences, authorities determined the 28 year old man died from methamphetamine toxicity, and two suspects were identified.

Yesterday, police arrested 45 year old Thomas Kormendy and 61 year old Douglas McClelland, who are both from St. Catharines. 

Kormendy is charged with the following: 

• Two counts of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance; (Crystal) Methamphetamine, contrary to section 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and
• Manslaughter contrary to section 236(b) of the Criminal Code.

McClelland faces the following charges: 

• Trafficking in a Controlled Substance; (Crystal) Methamphetamine, contrary to section 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
• Possession of a Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

As a result of the arrest, police seized 25.7 grams of suspected crystal meth worth about $2,570.

A bail hearing will take place later today. 

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call police at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext.1009476.