Posted on August 26, 2021

Following an extensive investigation, on Thursday, August 26, 2021, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Homicide Detectives, made an arrest in the fatal shootings of 20-year-old Julianna Pannunzio and 18-year-old Christine Crooks.

Julianna and Christine were both fatally shot at a residence in the Town of Fort Erie on Tuesday, January 19, 2021.

With the assistance of the Toronto Police Service 55 Division Major Crimes Unit, 22-year-old Christopher Lucas, also known as “El Plaga”, of Scarborough has been charged with the following:

• 2 counts of First-Degree Murder contrary to section 235(1) of the Criminal Code.

The accused remains in custody and will appear for a video bail court appearance at Robert S. K. Welch Court House in St. Catharines on August 26, 2021.

The Niagara Regional Police Service would like to thank the Pannunzio and Crooks families for their patience and understanding during this lengthy investigation. Police would also like to thank members of the public for their cooperation and assistance. In addition to the public, the following Police Services assisted with this investigation and their support is appreciated:

• Toronto Police Service;
• York Regional Police Service;
• Durham Regional Police Service;
• Waterloo Regional Police Service;
• Halton Regional Police Service; and the
• Ontario Provincial Police.

The investigation into this matter remains ongoing. No further information is being released at this time.