Police say Wellington West homicide motive unclear

Police investigating the violent weekend death of Jake Davey say he was friends with his accused killer.

"We've received information that they were acquainted. They had a friendship," Staff Sgt. Jody Greco told reporters at city police headquarters today.

The two men were Facebook friends: 22-year-old Davey describing himself as working at Leon's, 24-year-old Cody Quesnel — who has been charged with second-degree murder — as a former carpenter's apprentice.

As a search of SooToday's police reports indicates, Quesnel was well known to City Police.

Davey was not known to police, Greco said today. According to Facebook, Saturday was his 22nd birthday.

Two days after the alleged murder in Quesnel's apartment at 112 Wellington Street West, little is known about the scenario that led to Davey's death.

Police believe an altercation took place inside the three-apartment house.

"What the motive was, we don't know," Greco said.

Was there a party?

"We've received no information that there was a party."

Were drugs involved?

"We haven't received any information to indicate that they are, but they aren't ruling it out," Greco said.

Davey's body, found by police shortly after 6 a.m. on Saturday in a front doorway, showed obvious signs of injury.

"There were multiple injuries to the face area that were observed. Whether or not there were more injuries, I'm not certain at this time," Greco said.

Police also offered little information about the murder weapon.

Its whereabouts is unknown and police aren't saying what they're looking for.

"We have done a search and there probably will be further searches in the area for a weapon," Greco said.

"We still have the scene secured. There's still a lot of work to be done at the scene. It has to be forensically examined."

Police were directed to the crime scene by an individual that police identify only as a third party.

Were there witnesses?

"We believe there were witnesses, but we haven't identified them as of right now." Greco said.

Cody Quesnel, 24, faces a charge of second-degree murder. Facebook photo

Interestingly, a man removed by police through a side window at 112 Wellington almost three hours after the murder was described by police as a witness.

Initially, police said they were laying a first-degree charge in the case, but when Quesnel appeared in court today, he was charged with second-degree murder.

"Initially in the investigation, we went with first-degree murder," Greco said.

"After the investigation continued for a bit we had a chance to discuss it a bit. Second-degree murder was the appropriate charge."

The 100 block of Wellington Street West is expected to remain closed to vehicular traffic for much of this week as the investigation continues.