Hamilton man charged in murder of Ontario wine maker

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say a Hamilton man has been charged with murder in connection with a suspicious death at a residence in Selkirk.

Police responded to a 911 emergency call at a residence on Smelsers Cove Lane back on Feb. 03.

A man, now identified as 54-year-old Paul Pender, was located in the driveway of a home and pronounced dead at the scene.

Pender was a prominent winemaker at Tawse and Redstone wineries in Niagara. He was known for his talents in wine-making and his good nature.

He owned a cottage on the Smelsers Cove Lane.

A woman who lives inside the home near where Pender’s was found says she heard a ruckus on Thursday night and thought someone was trying to break into her home.

She says Pender was stabbed and fell on top of his attacker. Neighbours were able to pin the man down until police arrived on scene.

Bradley House, 31, has been charged with second-degree murder.

He is set to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cayuga at a later date. 

Police are still investigating and are asking anyone with information to contact them at 1-800-310-1122.