William and Helene Regier, the elderly couple found slain in their rural southwestern Ontario farmhouse Monday, were "pillars of the community," their family's priest said Wednesday as the search for their suspected killer continued.

Jesse Imeson is wanted in the killings of a Windsor bartender and an elderly couple from a rural community.
(OPP)

Named as the prime suspect in their deaths is Jesse Norman Imeson, a 22-year-old man already wanted on a Canada-wide warrant in last week's killing of a Windsor bartender.

The deaths of William, 72, and Helene, 73, have shaken the small community of Dashwood, near the eastern shore of Lake Huron and about 60 kilometres northwest of London, and members of their family.

"No words can truly convey the loss our family is living through at this time," family priest, Rev. Ray Lawhead, read from a prepared statement on behalf of the family. "Please pray with us for the protection of our community and the safety of our police force."

Married for 52 years, the couple leave behind six children, 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

William and Helene Regier were found dead in their house in the small community of Dashwood, Ont.
(Canadian Press)

"Bill and Helene were known as pillars of the community for their strong faith and family values," Lawhead said, reading from the statement.

William, a retired school and church custodian, was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and an advocate for their local church's restoration project, while Helene had spent 50 years serving for the Catholic Women's League.

Another community mourns

Meanwhile, friends and family of the other victim linked to Imeson gathered at a funeral service in Windsor.

About 150 people filled the pews at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Windsor's east end to remember bartender Carlos Rivera, 25.

Rev. Tom Ashton described him as "a shining example of all that is good in humans," while friends remembered his great wit.

There was no mention, however, of the tragic circumstances of his death or the continuing search for the man wanted in connection to his killing.

Rivera's body was discovered last Thursday in an Erie Street rooming house where Imeson lived. He died of strangulation.

Rural community in shock

Tensions continue to run high in the close-knit community where the Regiers lived.

Dianne Faubert, who lives in the area, said she fears there's no stopping a man who's already allegedly killed three people.

"This scares the heck right out of everybody that lives here," said Faubert, adding many families have moved in together under one roof hoping there's safety in numbers.

Ontario Provincial Police said forensic evidence linked Imeson to the Regiers' deaths. Their bodies were discovered early Monday afternoon, but police say they may have died up to 20 hours before.

The bodies have been sent to London for autopsies to be conducted Wednesday.

Stay vigilant, police urge

Police said they don't know whether Imeson may still be in the region and have expanded their search area.

"The search goes on for Mr. Imeson," OPP Const. Jeff Walraven told CBC News Wednesday.

He urged people to remain vigilant by locking their car and home doors, as well as notifying police of any unusual activity.

"It's a community effort. We should look after our neighbours. If you see somebody who's suspicious or if you see a suspicious vehicle, do not hesitate to contact your local police agency or the OPP," said Walraven.

Investigators are also asking anyone who spots the couple's stolen vehicle, a grey 2006 GMC Sierra pickup truck with the licence number JK8 334, to call police.