-UPDATE #2- LEEDS COUNTY DEATH INVESTIGATION
One Individual Charged
(ELIZABETHTOWN-KITLEY TOWNSHIP, ON) - An individual has been arrested and charged in connection with a 2023 homicide of an Elizabethtown-Kitley Township resident.
On Monday, July 31, 2023, shortly after 7:00 am, officers from the Leeds County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a call at a residence in the Toledo area. Upon arrival, officers located 66-year-old Giles DAGENAIS deceased.
Following an extensive investigation, on Thursday, November 6, 2025, Ronald GOUGH, 58 years old of Smiths Falls, was arrested and charged with first degree murder contrary to section 231 of the Criminal Code.
The accused was remanded in custody following a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
The investigation is being conducted by the Leeds County OPP Crime Unit, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), with assistance from the Smiths Falls Police Service. The investigation was also being carried out in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Forensic Pathology Service. Additional support is being provided by the OPP Forensic Identification Services.
“The investigative team showed outstanding dedication and determination in pursuing every lead to bring clarity to a case that has deeply affected the community. The tireless efforts of the team, including our OPP support units and the Smiths Falls Police Service, led to identifying and arresting an individual in connection with this tragic crime. We are sincerely grateful for the public’s support and the valuable information they provided throughout the investigation.” - OPP Detective Inspector Jocelyn SAUVE, CIB