A man is dead and police are on the look-out for suspects after an overnight homicide in Cambridge. It happened outside the Masonic Lodge in Hespeler. Waterloo Regional Police say an altercation broke out sometime around 2 o'clock Saturday morning.

The victim Joseph Batten, 22 years of Cambridge, had been attending an event at the Masonic Temple. When police arrived they found a male victim suffering from injuries, a direct result of the altercation.

Inspector Greg Lamport of the Waterloo Regional Police says, "As a result of that disturbance, there was a male that was injured, and died as a result of his injuries."

Paramedics took Batten to Cambridge Memorial Hospital but died a short time later

Staff who work at the lodge say Friday night the banquet hall was rented out for a private Christmas party. Police have not laid charges, haven't confirmed if they are looking for one or multiple suspects.

Investigators want to speak a number of people all in their early to late twenties who were seen leaving the area together in darker coloured vehicle. They are described as;

  • Two white males
  • One black male 
  • Two white females

Zack Moreira walks past the hall frequently. He says this part of town is becoming too dangerous.  "My wife, she works nights sometimes. I usually have to meet her out here because we're scared. Nobody knows what's going to happen."

In October 38-year-old Paula Mare was stabbed to death at the Comfort Inn just down the road. Her common law husband is charged with murder.

Near the lodge, detectives are still looking to find out why an altercation broke out.

"That'll be key to the investigation. Whoever had contact with the victim, prior to his death would be of interest to us." says Inspector Lamport.

Police believe one of the many party-goers may have a few answers.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Waterloo Regional Police Homicide Branch at 519 650 8500 ext. 8642