Police in LaSalle, Ont., continue search for man suspected in wife's death
CBC News | Posted: March 21, 2022 11:06 AM | Last Updated: March 21, 2022
Body of Amanda Lyons, 34, found Saturday, police found family car on Ambassador Bridge
WARNING: This story contains a reference to a possible suicide and intimate partner violence.
Police in LaSalle, Ont., are searching for a man suspected in the death of his wife after she was found dead in the couple's home on the weekend.
Amanda Lyons, 34, shared the home on Sugarwood Crescent with Blair Lyons. Police believe he may also have died since the homicide.
LaSalle police arrived Saturday to do a wellness check after Windsor officers found the couple's vehicle abandoned on the Ambassador Bridge.
The officers found the front door open and unlocked, and entered the home, said LaSalle police Const. Terry Seguin.
"And it was at that time they discovered the crime scene."
Seguin said there's evidence Blair, also 34, jumped into the Detroit River on Saturday morning from the Ambassador Bridge.
"We do have evidence that he did in fact jump off the bridge; there's been some speculation on social media that he walked off the bridge or that he's trying to set this up. That's not the case," said Seguin.
Blair's immediate family members have told CBC News this is a difficult time, and have asked for privacy.
LaSalle Fire Service, Windsor Police Service, and a search-and-rescue team were dispatched to search for Blair, but they have been unable to find him.
Seguin said police have no indication he got out of the cold waters of the Detroit River.
"He hasn't been located, so we're still continuing to search," said Seguin.
"It's assumed that he is still in the water. There is a slight potential that he may have gotten out, but it is our belief that he is still in the water."
Seguin said U.S. and Canadian authorities on both sides of the Detroit River have been alerted.
Blair's vehicle, which was abandoned on the bridge, has been seized by LaSalle police for further investigation.
WATCH | LaSalle police ask for the public's assistance:
Police called to home once before
Police would not reveal the cause of Amanda's death or other details around how it happened as a homicide investigation is now underway.
As police put together a timeline of the events, they're asking the public for any information around Blair's possible whereabouts between midnight and 5 a.m. ET Saturday.
"We have video of his vehicle being on Huron Church Line travelling north toward the Ambassador Bridge," said Seguin, adding people should check their cameras if they believe they may have footage to share with police.
Blair is described as a white man with short dark brown hair, brown eyes and a tattoo on his left shoulder. He was driving a 2017 white GMC 2500 pickup with a salter on the back.
While Blair does not have a criminal history, police have been called to the home once before, Seguin said.
"We have been called there once previously, but I can't reveal details of why we were called there — again that's part of the investigation."
LaSalle police say their investigation is in its early stages, but there is no risk to the public. Police are asking for privacy for the family.
Anyone with information is asked to contact LaSalle Police Service at 519-969-5210, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.
If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to get help:
- Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566 (phone) | 45645 (text).
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (phone), live chat counselling on the website.
- Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre.
- Hiatus House Crisis line: (519) 252-7781
This guide from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health outlines how to talk about suicide with someone you're worried about.
Corrections:- An earlier version of this story said police found Amanda Lyons's body before finding the vehicle on the Ambassador Bridge. In fact, the vehicle was found first. March 21, 2022 6:32 PM