
By Kaitlyn Clark
The Haldimand Press
Two people charged with first degree murder, returning to court January 17
HAGERSVILLE—The Haldimand community was left reeling after 28-year-old OPP Constable Grzegorz (Greg) Pierzchala was shot and killed on December 27, 2022.
Prior to becoming an officer, Pierzchala had served as a Special Constable at Queen’s Park Detachment and had previously served with the Canadian Armed Forces. He was informed of his successful completion of his 10-month probationary period with the OPP on December 27 before heading out to patrol alone, as he had done since April, when he responded to a vehicle in a ditch west of Hagersville around 2:30 p.m. He was fatally shot shortly after arriving, and died in hospital that day.
“The officer was essentially ambushed and stood absolutely no chance of being able to defend himself. The motives behind that, the circumstances, the timing of which are part of an active ongoing investigation,” said OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique, noting that Pierzchala did not have the chance to discharge his weapon.
Two people then stole a vehicle, fled the scene, and were later seen fleeing on foot. The search for them included OPP Aviation, Emergency Response Team, Canine, Tactics and Rescue Unit, local officers, and members of the Six Nations Police Service. A semi-automatic handgun was seized and two people were taken into custody that evening.

Randall McKenzie and Brandi Stewart-Sperry both face first degree murder charges.
Randall McKenzie, age 25 of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and Brandi Stewart-Sperry, age 30 of Hamilton, are both charged with First Degree Murder. Both of the accused have been remanded in custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cayuga on January 17, 2023.
Carrique expressed outrage, asserting that this death “should never have happened” and that “the murder of Constable Greg was preventable,” as McKenzie is well known to the courts.
McKenzie, the alleged shooter, was given a lifetime ban from owning firearms in 2018. He finished a federal sentence for a May 2017 armed robbery on March 25, 2021. During his sentence, he was granted statutory release twice, which was revoked both times. In December 2021, McKenzie was charged with possessing firearms and assault, including of a peace officer. He was released on bail, with conditions that he was to remain in his residence and not possess any firearms. He failed to appear in court for these charges on September 6, and a warrant was put out for his arrest, which was still active at the time of the shooting.
McKenzie’s criminal history has prompted calls for criminal justice reform, with Premier Doug Ford asserting, “The federal government (needs) to address the revolving door of violent criminals caused by our country’s failed bail system…. Too many innocent people have lost their lives at the hands of dangerous criminals who should have been behind bars – not on our streets. Enough is enough.”
Investigators, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, want to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have dashcam video. They should contact the Haldimand OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or, to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Both the local community and beyond immediately responded to Pierzchala’s death with an outpouring of grief and support.

A blue ribbon hangs outside the OPP Satellite office in Hagersville on Monday, January 3, 2022. — Haldimand Press photo by Mike Renzella
“All OPP members join Greg’s family in mourning the sudden and horrific loss of this young officer. Greg had just embarked on his childhood dream to be a police officer, only to have his dream tragically cut short while performing his duties,” said OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique. “We ask everyone to respect the wishes of Greg’s family for privacy as they grieve. The OPP is assisting the family and OPP colleagues to work through this horrible incident.”
Hagersville Chamber of Commerce President Rob Phillips sent out a statement on December 28, beginning, “Words are not enough at this time, but I know that our entire community sends their thoughts and prayers to the family of Constable Pierzchala, to the members of the Haldimand County OPP, and to the police and first responders family.”
Through his business Heaslip Ford, Phillips offered blue LED lights for anyone wishing to change their lights in a show of support. He said the Chamber would ensure memorial ribbons be installed at the intersection of Main and King streets and at the OPP Satellite office. Later that day, he shared, “A big thank you goes out to Beverly Petheram and Brenda Gallant who are making their way throughout Hagersville right now installing blue plastic ribbon bows on every utility pole. Thank you both for taking the initiative to honour the memory and service of OPP Constable Grzegorz (Greg) Pierzchala.”
Andrea Hill posted on social media that she would be collecting artwork and cards to be delivered to the Cayuga OPP detachment. She explained, “Our household is going to focus on the conversation about what police do and why we are grateful for them…. We want Greg’s colleagues to feel the love and appreciation during such a tragic loss.”
Phillips noted the Chamber had a supply of ribbons available already, prepared to honour the memory of Sgt. Andrew Harnett – a Hagersville-born man who was killed in the line of duty while working with the Calgary Police Service on New Year’s Eve 2020 – and that these ribbons would be made available for any business to display in honour of Pierzchala as well. Jason Harnett shared that his family was already planning a memorial event for Andrew as well, asking people to ‘Shine a Blue Light’ on New Year’s Eve in support of all first responders. Jason stated, “Let them know you appreciate their efforts, you support them, and wish them safe return. Let us also reflect on those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and send their families a message of support, especially OPP Constable Greg Pierzchala’s family.”
On December 27, MPP Bobbi Ann Brady released the following statement: “On behalf of the residents of Haldimand-Norfolk I extend my heart, thoughts, and prayers to Officer Grzegorz Pierzchala’s family, his friends, colleagues, and all first responders who risk their lives each day to keep our communities safe. The shooting of Officer Pierzchala is a horrific tragedy, and there is nothing we can say or do to lessen the impact and pain of today’s events. To the family, to the OPP family, please know that the people of Haldimand-Norfolk, the people of Ontario, will mourn alongside you.”
MP Leslyn Lewis sent out a statement on December 29, which read, “I am shocked and truly saddened by the tragic loss of OPP Constable Grzegorz Pierzchala, who was killed while on duty. Our police officers show up to the job knowing that they will often find themselves in dangerous situations, as they seek to keep us and our families safe. My thoughts and prayers are with Constable Pierzchala’s families, his friends, and his OPP family as they grieve this terrible loss. While we cannot diminish the loss you feel, please know that your community grieves with you, and is here to support you.”
“Our thoughts are with PC Pierzchala’s family and friends and all those who served alongside him,” said Haldimand Mayor Shelley Bentley. “Haldimand County is a close-knit community and many are feeling this loss deeply. Joining in remembrance at the local level is a way that we can come together as a community to grieve and honour a hero taken much too soon.”
McKenzie’s family also made a statement, wishing the Pierzchala family “healing and peace”. The family noted McKenzie’s struggles with drug addiction from a young age and other troubles growing up, adding, “Everyone is having a difficult time processing this and is extremely hurt.”
A procession took place on December 30 to honour Pierzchala’s life, departing from Toronto and travelling northbound to bring him home to Barrie. Members of the public were invited to show their respects from one of the many overpasses along the highway and the event was live streamed on social media. A police funeral was held in Barrie on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. It streamed online for the public, with Haldimand County hosting a stream at the Caledonia Lions Hall.
A book of condolences was available at the hall, and will remain available at the Haldimand County Administration Building until Friday, January 6.