HAMILTON, ONT. (WIVB) – Hamilton Police have made an arrest in the 12-year-old cold case murder of a Niagara Falls man.
Jermaine Dunkley, 32, was charged with first degree murder in the death of 22-year-old Michael Parmer.
“Justice is finally being served,” said Dorothy Harris, Parmer’s mother. “Not a day go by that I do not question why my son’s life was taken at the early age of 22.”
Parmer was killed 12 years ago in the parking lot near the former CD Sports Bar at 180 Ottawa St. in Hamilton.
According to Hamilton Police, on Sept. 8, 2005, Parmer traveled with four friends from Niagara Falls to attend CD Sports Bar, where they remained until closing time. When they left the venue, they continued to socialize with people outside. It’s estimated there were between 25 and 40 people in the parking lot at the time.
Parmer’s friends got into the car to leave shortly after 3 a.m.
“As the vehicle began to drive away, Michael’s friends realized he was not in the car,” said Detective Sergeant Steve Bereziuk, with the Hamilton Police Service Homicide Unit. “The group then heard a gunshot and saw Micheal laying down in the parking lot with several people rushing to his aid.”
He was taken to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries, according to police.
“Hamilton Police Service’s Homicide Unit conducted an exhaustive investigation in the years following but the case eventually went cold until recently,” Hamilton Police said in a statement.
In Aug. 2017, Hamilton Police issued a plea for fresh information in the case. Hamilton Police, “with the assistance of the community, the Kingston Police Service and the Toronto Police Service” arrested Dunkley for the murder on Monday.
“I think circumstances in witness lives can change over the years, time and distance can be an advantage for the investigation,” said Detective Sergeant Bereziuk. “I think that was the case in this instance.”
Dunkley was previously known to police. He appeared before court earlier this morning for a first appearance and has been remanded to custody until further notice.
Investigators are now looking for two more suspects, a man and a woman. Police believe all three suspects know each other.
If you have any information, contact Detective Jon Murphy at 905-546-2288. You can also leave an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers Hamilton at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
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