UPDATE - Whitby Man Dies of Injuries

A 21-year-old Whitby man, who was assaulted during a street basketball game on June 19th, has passed away due to his injuries.

As a result, the charge against the 24-year-old Whitby man accused in the assault has been upgraded from Aggravated Assault to Manslaughter.

The 21-year-old male victim, identified as Cameron BERNIER, the brother of the accused, recently passed away of his injuries. He is Durham Region’s sixth homicide victim of 2010.

Cody BERNIER, age 24 of Candlebrook Drive in Whitby appeared in court today on the new charge of Manslaughter. He was remanded into custody.

Anyone with new information about this investigation is asked to contact Det. Henderson of the Homicide Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5326 or Det. Nobbs of the Central West Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at ext. 1832. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or on the website at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters are eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

ORIGINAL MEDIA RELEASE ISSUED JUNE 21st, 2010

Whitby Man Seriously Injured

A Whitby man was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries after being assaulted during a pick up game of basketball.

On Saturday, June 19th, 2010 the victim was playing basketball with three others on the street in front of a residence on Candlebrook Drive in the Garden Street and Dryden Boulevard area of Whitby. Sometime between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., an argument between the victim and another male escalated into a physical confrontation. The victim was punched in the face and fell backward, hitting his head on a driveway.

The 21-year-old male victim was taken to hospital and was transported to St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto with life-threatening injuries, where he remains in serious condition.

Further investigation by the Central West Division Criminal Investigations Bureau resulted in the arrest of one male.

Cody BERNIER, age 24 of Candlebrook Drive in Whitby has been charged with Aggravated Assault. He was held for a bail hearing.

Anyone with new information about this incident is asked to contact Det. Nobbs of the Central West Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1832. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or on the website at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters are eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.