Two Teenagers Face Murder Charges Following Tragic Christmas Eve Shooting at Ginoogaming First Nation

A somber cloud hangs over Ginoogaming First Nation following the tragic Christmas Eve shooting that claimed the life of 19-year-old Dallas Moonias. The close-knit community, still reeling from the devastating incident, now faces the difficult reality of legal proceedings as two teenagers have been formally charged in connection with the young man's death.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) announced that a 16-year-old, whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been charged with second-degree murder.

Simultaneously, a 17-year-old, also unnamed due to their age, faces a charge of accessory after the fact to murder. These charges represent a significant step in the ongoing investigation into the holiday tragedy.

The initial call that drew law enforcement to the remote community near Longlac came in the early hours of December 24, 2023.

Emergency services responded to reports of a shooting, only to discover Dallas Moonias with fatal injuries. The swift response led to the involvement of the OPP North West Region Crime Unit, under the dedicated guidance of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch. They were supported by specialized teams, including Forensic Identification Services and uniformed officers, all working tirelessly to piece together the events of that fateful night.

The comprehensive investigation culminated in the arrests and subsequent charges filed on January 2, 2024.

Both accused teenagers made their initial court appearances via video link in Greenstone court on Wednesday, January 3, as the legal process against them officially commenced. The gravity of the situation underscores the profound impact this incident has had on the community and families involved.

Authorities have reiterated that due to the sensitive nature of the case and the ages of the accused, no further details regarding their identities or specific circumstances surrounding the shooting can be released at this time.

The investigation remains active and ongoing, with police appealing to anyone who may possess additional information relevant to the case to come forward. The community hopes for justice and healing as the legal proceedings unfold, seeking answers and closure for the tragic loss of Dallas Moonias.