A first degree murder charge has been withdrawn against a Chatham man and he is out on bail after the prosecution told the judge there was not enough evidence and no reasonable prospect of conviction.
David Lozon, 59, from Chatham was initially charged with first-degree murder and committing an indignity to a human body after a woman's body was found at a home on William Street South in Chatham June 4, 2024, but the murder charge was dropped in Chatham court on Tuesday.
Lozon is still facing a charge of committing an indignity to a human body and he was also charged with a new offence of accessory after the fact to murder.
Chatham-Kent police previously identified the deceased as 27-year-old Louise Thomson from Milton, Ontario.
Lozon has a lengthy criminal record dating back to before 2011, but the prosecution did not believe he currently presented a "substantial" risk to the public or to commit more serious crimes, even though his criminal record indicates violent crimes, firearms offences, and court order breaches.
The judge ordered Lozon to be released on his own recognizance and imposed a long list of bail conditions, including no contact with dozens of people, a ban on firearms and illegal drugs, reporting to police every Monday, staying in Ontario, not possessing a passport, and notifying police of a change in address and employment. He was warned he must pay his $10,000 pledge if he breaks any of the conditions.
Lozon is scheduled to return to court October 30, 2024.
Co-accused Jeffrey Davis, 44, of Chatham and Sky-Linn Holden, 23, who was arrested in Windsor, are both in custody facing charges of first-degree murder and committing an indignity to a body.
A publication ban prevents further information about the case from being released publicly.