Conestoga College mourns the death of a murdered student in Kitchener | The Canadian News

Conestoga College says an 18-year-old who was killed in Kitchener last week was a student in its woodworking program.

Waterloo Regional Police said a homicide investigation is underway after 18-year-old Joshua Bennett was found dead on a trail near Paulander Drive around 4 a.m. Friday.

Bennett was a student in Conestoga’s Carpentry and Renovation Technician program on the Waterloo campus. The Etobicoke native began his studies in fall 2020.

“It is with great sadness that I share the news that a member of our Conestoga community was the victim of a homicide that occurred in Kitchener last week,” said University President John Tibbits.

“Our thoughts go out to Joshua’s family and friends, his classmates and teachers, and everyone who knew him.”

The counseling service is available to other students and employees by calling 519-748-5220 ext. 3679.

Police have released few details about Bennett’s death, but said a post-mortem examination will be conducted on Monday to determine the cause of death.

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“This senseless death has no place in our community,” said Police Chief Bryan Larkin.

“I want to assure the community that we have a dedicated team of highly trained investigators who are working hard to find those responsible.”

Anyone who has been to the Paulander Drive area and seen Bennett should call 519-570-9777 ext. 8191.

You can leave anonymous information with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.