Evan Zeller (photo by Ohio Attorney General’s Office)

The body found near Canadaway Creek on the shore of Lake Erie has been identified as an Ohio man

The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office reports that 30-year old Evan Zeller of Sheffield Lake, Ohio has been identified as the victim. He was reported missing in November 2022 after he had gone kayaking on Lake Erie near the town where he lived.

Coordination between the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and the Erie County Medical Examiner’s office led to the identification of Mr. Zeller.

New York State Police

Police says 46-year old Michael Leary‘s canoe rolled over while canoeing with a group of people on Conewango Creek Sunday evening. He was not wearing a life jacket at the time.

The State Police Underwater Recovery Unit and the Chautauqua County Water Emergency Team with local fire agencies searched for Leary. His body was found Monday, May 23 and transported to the Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The investigation is continuing.

Allen Witruke

JAMESTOWN – The Jamestown man accused in the double homicide that took place Tuesday morning on Barrows street has pleaded not guilty to two charges of 2^nd degree murder.

51-year-old Allen Witruke was arraigned in Jamestown city court Wednesday morning. He is being held without bail until his next court date in Chautauqua County Court will take place on December 16.

Witruke is accused of killing two people whose bodies were discovered Tuesday morning, Dec. 8, at 235 Barrows St. On Wednesday Jamestown Police Captain Robert Samuelson identified the victims as 52-year-old Catherine Witruke – Witruke’s wife – and 34-year-old Eric Washburn – Witruke’s step son.

Samuelson also said that Witruke allegedly used blunt force trauma on one of the victims and also stabbed both victims multiple times causing their death. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene Tuesday by the Chautauqua County Coroner and the bodies are currently undergoing an autopsy at the Erie County Medical Examiners Office.

Following the discovery of the bodies a brief manhunt took place, with Witruke being located and taken into custody early Tuesday afternoon in Olean by members of the Olean Police Department.

Police have not released any details into the motive behind the homicides. Other news outlets are reporting that Witruke’s home was about to be foreclosed on and the individuals serving the foreclosure papers Tuesday morning are the ones who discovered the bodies the two victims.