The older brother of a recent Chemainus Secondary School graduate killed in a small Northern Ontario town has been charged with his murder.
On Jan. 30, Ontario Provincial Police received a disturbance complaint at a Flicker Street home in Manitouwadge, Ont., about 330 kilometres east of Thunder Bay.
Arriving officers found 18-year-old Wayne Allen suffering with life-threatening injuries. He was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Officers arrested Jesse Allen, 38, at the scene. The accused was charged with first-degree murder the next day and made a second court appearance on Feb. 16. Jesse is being held at the Thunder Bay Jail and will appear in court again next month.
Originally from Ontario, Wayne moved to Chemainus with his father during his Grade 10 year, later graduating from Chemainus Secondary in 2020. Despite his short time at the school, Wayne developed many friendships like the one with his basketball and volleyball teammate Matthew Simpson.
“In shock more than anything, didn’t really want it to be real, didn’t really want to believe it,” Simpson told CHEK News on Saturday.
He described Wayne as someone who everybody liked, and said his positive attitude always stood out.
“I don’t remember him ever having a bad day at school, I always just remember him smiling and making jokes all the time,” Simpson said.
The 18-year-old was known as a big time golf lover, and worked at Mount Brenton Golf Course before abruptly quitting last fall.
“In November he told me that he’s going to move back to Ontario briefly, so he said ‘sorry I have to quit,’ so I said ‘no problem, hopefully you come back,’” said Jan Best, the club pro, adding that Wayne told him he didn’t want to go back.
Like Simpson, Best describes Wayne as incredibly likeable.
“I’ve been in touch with a lot of his friends and we’re all going to miss him greatly. Just one of those guys that everybody likes.”
The family has requested their privacy, but a GoFundMe has been set up to help them as they navigate the tragedy.
Ben Nesbit
