Three Niagara Falls, Ont., residents have been charged with first-degree murder even as police continue to search for the alleged victim.

Niagara Region police began searching for Alexander Fraser on Dec. 26 after his car was found on fire in Fort Erie along the Niagara River Parkway.

Police say the subsequent investigation gave them reason to believe the disappearance of the 49-year-old man was due to foul play.

The first suspect — 20-year-old Victoria Harvey — was arrested on Sunday while 25-year-old Brad MacGarvie and 29-year-old Duran Wilson were arrested Monday.

Police say Fraser was known to all three suspects.

The search for Fraser continues and police say further arrests are anticipated.