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7 key facts · 7 corroborated · none disputed
Allegations described here are not proven in court unless stated.
Niagara Regional Police are seeking two men on second-degree murder charges after the death of 37-year-old Matthew McAra, following what police describe as a targeted assault in Niagara Falls.
The investigation began with a call to a business on Lundy’s Lane near Hanan Avenue shortly before 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 17. McAra was found without vital signs, police said, and was taken to a local hospital after Niagara Emergency Medical Services carried out life-saving efforts.
Assault investigation becomes homicide case
Investigators determined McAra had been assaulted by two men who fled the scene. Police began searching the area with assistance from the canine unit.
McAra later died from his injuries on Monday, prompting the Niagara Regional Police homicide unit to take over the case.
In its release, police said the victim “sadly succumbed to his injuries,” marking a devastating outcome to an investigation that had begun days earlier as a reported assault near one of Niagara Falls’ major corridors.
Two men wanted by police
Police have identified Brandon Fitzgerald, 31, and Alexander Piccirillo, 46, as wanted on second-degree murder charges in connection with McAra’s death.
The allegations have not been tested in court. Police are asking anyone with information about the whereabouts of Fitzgerald or Piccirillo to contact the service.
The force has said it believes the assault was targeted, an assessment that distinguishes the case from an apparently random incident but leaves important questions about what led to the attack unanswered publicly.
Appeal for surveillance video
Investigators are asking residents and business owners near Lundy’s Lane and Hanan Avenue to check any available surveillance footage.
Police want to hear from people who may have captured video of the suspects or who have information that could help establish their movements following the assault. They have also asked the public to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara with anonymous tips.
The request puts renewed focus on the immediate area around Lundy’s Lane and Hanan Avenue, where officers first responded and where the two suspects were believed to have fled.
A continuing public appeal
For McAra’s family and those who knew him, the case has moved quickly from an emergency response to a homicide investigation and an appeal for public help.
Police have not released further details about the alleged assault or the relationship, if any, between McAra and the two wanted men. Their public message remains focused on locating Fitzgerald and Piccirillo and gathering any surveillance footage or information that may assist the investigation.
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