SASKATOON – The family of murder victim Brandon Baxandall says the arrest of one of Canada’s most wanted fugitives in connection with his 2022 killing highlights the weaknesses in the country’s border security.
Johnathan Ouellet-Gendron was arrested by the Canada Border Services Agency, Mascouche Major Crime Investigation Division and the Sûreté du Québec Airport Unit as he was trying to re-enter Canada on Saturday.
“This highlights the flaws with Canada’s border security that an individual on Canada’s top 25 most wanted for first degree murder with a Canada wide warrant can leave the country,” said Melanie, Brandon’s mother in an email to SaskToday on Sunday. “After being under surveillance by police in Toronto, Jonathan Ouellet-Gendron was able to evade capture for over three years and was residing in Mexico.”
Despite her criticism of border security that allowed Ouellet-Gendron to flee Canada, Melanie praised the BOLO program and Saskatoon Police Service for their efforts.
“We are grateful for the BOLO Program for continuing to highlight this crime and give us hope, and the Saskatoon Police Service for all of their time and effort put into this file. Hopefully the justice system doesn’t fail us again with the sentencing.”
Saskatoon police also charged Mohamed Abdula Ali with first-degree murder in Baxandall’s death. Last year, Ali was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter.
“Mohamed Abdula Ali will be eligible for early release Aug. 31, 2026, and though he knows the identity of the fourth individual involved in the murder, under Canadian law is not required to provide this information,” said Melanie.
Baxandall was found dead behind an apartment building in May 2022.
Ouellet-Gendron is expected to appear in a Montreal courthouse Sunday, say Quebec police.
Gofundme for victim’s family
Baxandall’s aunt started a gofundme page to help raise money to set up a trust fund for Baxandall’s children.
“Brandon did not have a life insurance policy and has left behind Tiffanni and their two children, Emersen and Fraeya,” Jamie Baxandall-Heidt posted on gofundme.
So far, $7,655 has been raised of the $30,000 goal.
