Terrance Cherry now charged with first-degree murder; Una Cherry charged as accessory after the fact. OPP continues search for remains and seeks public tips

By NetNewsLedger Staff
Category: Regional Crime Updates
Published: November 14, 2025

KENORA, Ont. — A second arrest has been made in the investigation into the disappearance and death of Mekhi Pelly (Scott), 21, of Grassy Narrows First Nation.

Pelly (Scott) was reported missing to Kenora OPP on Sunday, October 26, 2025 and has since been confirmed deceased. The Kenora OPP Crime Unit, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, continues the investigation.

Efforts to locate the victim’s remains are ongoing with help from the OPP Canine Unit, Emergency Response Team, and Underwater Search and Recovery Unit, alongside Grassy Narrows First Nation and Washagamis Bay First Nation.

New Charges

• Terrance CHERRY, 24, of Kenora — First-degree murder (Criminal Code s.235(1))
  Status: Remanded into custody; next court appearance Thursday, December 4, 2025, Ontario Court of Justice, Kenora.

• Una CHERRY, 43, of Kenora — Accessory after the fact to murder (Criminal Code s.240)
  Status: Remanded into custody; next court appearance Thursday, December 4, 2025, Ontario Court of Justice, Kenora.

Presumption of innocence: The charges have not been proven in court. The accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

What the Charges Mean — and Possible Penalties if Convicted

First-Degree Murder — Criminal Code s.235(1)

Plain language: An intentional, planned and deliberate killing, or a murder that becomes first-degree because it falls under specific legal categories (e.g., committed during certain listed offences).

Penalty on conviction: Mandatory life imprisonment with no chance of parole for 25 years. A life sentence remains in force even if parole is later granted.

Accessory After the Fact to Murder — Criminal Code s.240

Plain language: Helping someone you know has committed murder in order to help them escape arrest or punishment (for example, hiding them, destroying evidence, or misleading police).

Penalty on conviction: Indictable offence punishable by up to life imprisonment. Sentencing depends on what help was given, the timing, and the person’s role and record.

Call for Information

Investigators are asking anyone with information—especially about the movements or activities of the accused leading up to and after Sunday, October 12, 2025—to contact the Kenora OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.