Pools of blood, puncture wounds on body, at Kelligrews crime scene
Police continue to investigate shocking Saturday morning incident that left man dead, house burned
People in a normally quiet area of Conception Bay South are painting a grim picture of a weekend crime scene that has left residents on edge and a host of unanswered questions.
A 25-year-old man was found dead in a driveway in the Bayview Heights subdivision — located in the community of Kelligrews — around 8 a.m. Saturday. Police said the man had been abducted from another residence hours before by masked men.
People in the area described the deceased as stocky and heavily tattooed, lying in pools of blood with what appeared to be puncture wounds visible in his body. People told CBC he was wearing athletic shorts, but no shoes or shirt.
They also told CBC that 46 Bayview Heights is a home-based daycare, with a mother and two young children home at the time the body was discovered.
Many families with young children live in the subdivision, and several homes near the crime scene have surveillance cameras on their properties.
'A different era'
Conception Bay South Mayor Stephen Tessier says his town is still a great community, but admits "we're in a different era" following the shocking weekend events that also saw a house flattened by fire.
Police are also investigating a stabbing around the same time frame in nearby Paradise that may be linked to the killing.
"My message would be to be diligent, understanding we're in a different era," Tessier told CBC News Monday morning.
He encouraged anyone with information to contact the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.
"We need to look out for one another. Conception Bay South is a great community to live and raise your family. It hasn't changed that much. There are are lot of good families and good people here."
A violent abduction
Police have linked the deceased to a house fire in nearby Seal Cove, where witnesses say three masked men violently abducted him.
Responders mobilized following a hang-up call to the 911 emergency number at around 4 a.m. on Saturday, and arrived to a house engulfed in flames.
A young woman with minor injuries from the fire was found outside the residence.
Police have suggested the incident was a targeted attack, but have cautioned the public, describing the attackers as "armed and dangerous."
"That's not something that we're normally used to in this neck of the woods," Tessier said.
Sources have told CBC the incident was likely drug related, but that has not been confirmed by investigators.
When asked if his town was still a safe place to live and raise a family, Tessier said absolutely.
He said the town has a good relationship with the RNC.
"It hasn't changed that much," said Tessier.
"There are a lot of good families and good people in Conception Bay South."