Male arrested for second degree murder and arson

CITY POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

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On May 19th 2011 at 5:11 a.m. the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service were called to assist Fire Services with a house fire at 606 Wellington Street East. 

Soon after it was found that one person, 48 year old Leeanne Hill died as a result of that fire. 

Officers with Investigation Services of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service conducted a joint investigation with the Ontario Fire Marshalls Office and determined that it was arson.

On October 17th, 2011 48 year old Gregory Flesher of Waukegan Illinois was identified as a suspect and an arrest warrant was obtained for Second Degree Murder and Arson: disregard for human life.

Sault Ste. Marie Police Service Detectives worked with local Crown Attorney’s and the Crown Law Office in Toronto commencing the extradition process to return Mr. Flesher to Sault Ste. Marie in order to face these charges. 

Mr. Flesher’s could not be extradited back to Canada until released from custody on unrelated criminal offences in Waukegan Illinois.

Sault Ste. Marie Detectives have continued working with American and Canadian authorities on the extradition process for 50 year old Gregory Flesher of Waukegan Illinois which concluded this month.

As a result, officers travelled to Chicago Illinois, and arrested Mr. Flesher on the outstanding warrant for Second Degree Murder and Arson: Disregard for human life. 

Mr. Flesher was taken into custody and returned to Sault Ste. Marie last evening.  He will appear in court Friday 12th April, 2013.

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