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Ontario Bradley House, 31, Arrested for Second-Degree Murder of Well-Known Winemaker, Paul Pender

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Paul Pender, a well-respected and beloved figure in Niagara’s winemaking scene, was found dead in his Selkirk home last week.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Haldimand detachment officers were called to a home on Smelsers Cove Lane, where they found Pender’s lifeless body. The OPP later arrested Bradley House, 31, and charged him with second-degree murder in connection with Pender’s death. Here’s what we know about the case so far.

Who Was Paul Pender?

Paul Pender was a long-time figure in Niagara’s winemaking scene, having spent more than 15 years as the director of viticulture and winemaking at Tawse Winery.

During his tenure, the vineyard received multiple honors, and Pender was instrumental in spearheading a push toward environmentally friendly grape production.

He was also the director of viticulture and winemaking for Lincoln’s Tawse Estate and its sister vineyard Redstone Winery for the past 15 years. Pender had a passion for winemaking and had left a previous job as a carpenter in his 30s to pursue it. He was a single man and had no children.

What Happened to Paul Pender?

On February 18, 2023, OPP Haldimand detachment officers responded to a call to Pender’s home on Smelsers Cove Lane, where they found Pender dead. The police have not released any information about the cause of death or whether Pender and Bradley House knew each other.

Who Is Ontario Bradley House?

Ontario Bradley House, 31, is a Grimsby resident who has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with Pender’s death.

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Bradley House will face the charge in the Ontario Court of Justice in Cayuga at a later date. It is unclear what led the police to arrest Bradley House, and details about his background and motive are still unclear.

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