Wayne Hewitt charged in Heyden beating investigation

Wayne Hewitt, 35, of Heyden is the latest person to be charged in connection with last weekend's savage beating of Henry Johnston.

Hewitt is charged with counseling to commit aggravated assault endangering life, and accessory after the fact of aggravated assault.

Previously charged with aggravated assault with a weapon endangering life were Shane Mollari, 19 and Dustin Rodrique Gagne, 18, both of Heyden, as well as two young persons who can't be identified.

Johnston remains in intensive care in Sudbury.

He was found unconscious in a small woodlot near his house in Heyden last Sunday.

The following news release was issued at 1:44 p.m. Friday:

**************************************************************** OPP charges fifth man in Heyden assault

(Heyden, Ont.,) Members of the Sault Ste Marie OPP Crime Unit have arrested and charged a fifth person in the ongoing investigation into the assault of a 35-year-old Heyden man last weekend.

Henry Johnston was found lying unconscious in a small bush area beside his house in Heyden on Oct. 5, 2003.

He remains in intensive care at a Sudbury hospital.

Charged with counseling to commit aggravated assault endangering life, and accessory after the fact of aggravated assault, is Wayne Hewitt, 35, also of Heyden.

He was scheduled to appear in court today.

Four other individuals, including two young persons, were charged earlier this week in connection with the incident.

The investigation is continuing under the direction of Detective Inspector Scott Tod, OPP Criminal Investigation Branch.

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