7th anniversary of Ashton Dickson’s death: OPS reminds the public of unsolved case tipline

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Wednesday, June 26, 2024   10:00 am

(Ottawa) -- June 26th marks the seventh anniversary of Ashton Dickson’s homicide. 

Ashton Dickson was killed outside of a nightclub located at 470 Rideau Street on June 26th, 2017. Police believe that an altercation began in the club in the bathroom line and continued into the street, where Ashton was shot in front of a dozen people.   

Since then, the OPS has been searching for anyone with information about what occurred that night or who may have witnessed the crime.  

“Seven years ago today, my beloved son, Ashton, was senselessly murdered. Ashton had his whole life ahead of him, filled with hopes and dreams. But all of those hopes and dreams were cut short in a moment when he was shot - right in front of numerous witnesses,” said Mrs. Donna Dickson. “We understand that coming forward takes courage and that fear might have held you back in the past. But time changes things. If you were there that night, or if you have any information about what happened, please, please come forward.” 

Since June 2020, the OPS has offered a reward of up to $75,000 for information leading to the arrest of Ashton Dickson’s killer. This is currently the highest reward amount offered by the OPS.  

Including Ashton’s case, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) has had 24 unsolved homicides in the last ten years. This number represents 13% of homicides. This percentage can largely be explained by a lack of information from people who may have witnessed these crimes. In every one of these cases, someone knows something that could potentially give these victims’ families closure. 

“Ashton's case is not the only one that remains unsolved in our city. There are other families who are waiting for justice,” said Deputy Chief Trish Ferguson. “These families are also living with the weight of their loved ones' unsolved murders. We have made progress in many of these cases, but we need your help to bring the cases to court.” 

Many of the OPS’s unsolved cases include rewards for information that results in solving the case.  

If you have information that could help us solve these cases, please call our tipline at 613-236-1222, extension 5477.   

Anyone with information on any of these unsolved cases or for more information about the Rewards Policy, please call the Ottawa Police Service Homicide Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5493. Anonymous tips can also be left via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca. 

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Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service.

CONTACT:

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366