Neighbours say it was murder

Lambton OPP are saying little about an investigation at the Marthaville Habitat on Marthaville Road near Petrolia, but neighbours believe police are investigating a murder.

About six police vehicles are lining the road near the entrance to the popular walking area. They have been there since 7:15 this morning, police say. Orange pylons both larger construction type cones and smaller markers dot the paved road right before the entrance.

Police say they are investigating a death – but will say no more.

Neighbours in the area say OPP came to their door this morning asking if they had heard anything in the conservation area. Officers could be seen walking along the road, scanning the ditches by the trees and beside the farm field across the road from the habitat.

The Marthaville Habitat is owned by the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority and is a popular spot for people to take their dogs for a stroll along the two kilometer trail. The trail is often busy in the early morning.

“The poor person who would have went there first this morning,” said the neighbour, imagining the discovery.

Police told neighbours they will “be there for a few days” investigating.