Two Brantford men charged with first-degree murder in fatal baseball bat attack

Two Brantford men have been charged with first-degree murder three months after a 49-year-old man was killed with a baseball bat.

On May 25, Branford police responded to a call for an assault in the area of the Brantford Civic Centre and the Brant's Crossing Riverfront Skateboard Park on Icomm Drive around 6 p.m. The incident occurred in a wooded area located behind the Brantford Civic Centre between the asphalt walking path and the Grand River.

Police said Peter Pottruff, a 49-year-old Brantford resident, was found with serious injuries and transported to the hospital.

A month later, it became a homicide investigation after Pottruff died from his injuries on June 20.

The investigation revealed Pottruff was involved in an alleged property dispute with another group of individuals," and was assaulted, police said in a release.

Brantford police arrested and charged Joseph Cunningham Davis, a 34-year-old Brantford man, with first-degree murder on Monday. The second arrest was made Wednesday. Police charged Jason Edelman, a 36-year-old Brantford man, with first-degree murder.

Police noted there may be additional individuals who may have witnessed the incident" or may have information related to the homicide.

This investigation remains active and ongoing," Brantford police said in the release.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Det. John Allan of the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050 ext. 2266.

Ritika Dubey is a reporter at The Spectator. rdubey@thespec.com