The serious assault of a man in Windsor’s west end is now a murder investigation.

"Yesterday afternoon the victim from the violent assault on mill street succumbed to his injuries," Const. Andrew Drouillard of the Windsor Police Service told reporters today. "So the investigation is being reclassified as a homicide investigation."

The 26-year-old victim was found in an apartment at the Arthur J Reaume Manor building at 605 Mill Street and Wyandotte. His hands were bound, and the victim was beaten and stabbed multiple times.

Police believe the victim was targeted, and this was not a random act.

"Many individuals in the investigation are known to police, this is not a random act," said Sgt. Todd Cox, a detective with the Major Crime Branch. "All persons involved know each other, so I want to reassure the community on that fact."

Police allege the victim was lured to the back parking lot of a Tim Horton’s and was forced into a red vehicle before he was found the next morning.

"We've obtained video surveillance and our investigators are currently reviewing it," said Cox. "Again, we believe strongly there many have been witnesses there, and we're asing those individuals who may have witnessed the altercation in the parking lot to come forward."

Walter Smith, 67, of Windsor has been charged with forcible confinement and charges of aggravated assault have been upgraded to murder.

Police say the suspect originally called police as a witness and resides in the apartment where the victim was found, but officers concluded the man also played a role in the assault.

Police also say the victim was targeted in a stabbing incident on September 29 but was not cooperative with that investigation.

A warrant was issued for three additional suspects.

Police say 26-year-old Dustin Schuh, 38-year-old Daniel Shaw and 32-year-old Melissa Luyton, all of Windsor, are wanted for kidnapping, forcible confinement and murder.

"They have ties to Windsor. Information has been received they may have left the city, at this point we have info they many be in the Kingston area," Cox said.

Windsor Police say you should not approach the suspects. Instead, you should call Windsor Police at 519-255-6700 or Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477.