Brantford man charged with 1st-degree murder in fatal baseball bat attack

A Brantford man is facing a first-degree murder charge after a man was beaten with a baseball bat and died of his injuries in June.

Officers responded to reports of an assault on May 25 around 6 p.m. near Brant’s Crossing Riverfront Skateboard Park.

Investigators discovered Peter Pottruff, 49, of Brantford was hit in the head with a baseball bat. He was then taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Police said Pottruff was involved in an alleged property dispute with a group of people when he was assaulted.

The suspects fled the area before police arrived and a K-9 track was completed.

Pottruff then died of his injuries on June 20, police said.

Detectives arrested and charged Joseph Cunningham Davis, 34, with first-degree murder on Aug. 29.

Police have interviewed a number of people but believe there could be more who may have witnessed the assault or have information related to the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. John Allan at 519 756 7050 ext. 2266.