Cold Case Homicides Linked to Deceased Canadian Man
Identification of Kenneth Smith as Suspect
Toronto polstart have announced that a deceased man, Kenneth Smith, has been identified as the perpetrator in three cold case homicides dating back to the 1980s and 1990s. Smith, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 72, has been linked to the murders of two women in the 1980s and start in the 1990s through recent advances in forensic testing and genetic genealogy.
Details of the Cold Case Victims
The victims include:
Christine Prince
The first victim, Christine Prince, was a 25-year-old woman who was found on June 22, 1982, in the Rouge River, Toronto. Authorities report that she had been sexually assaulted and suffered blunt force trauma.
Claire Samson
Twenty-three-year-old Claire Samson was discovered with gunshot wounds on September 1, 1983, in Oro-Medonte Township.
Gracelyn Greenidge
The third victim, Gracelyn Greenidge, aged 41, was killed in her Toronto apartment on July 29, 1997, also by blunt force trauma.
Authorities believe the evidence indicates Smith may have been involved in other unsolved cases, as he had a known history of sexual assault and was active in the Toronto area during the time of the murders.
Advances in Forensic Science
Recent breakthroughs in genetic genealogy have been crucial in solving these cold cases. Toronto Polstart Det. Sgt. Steve Smith noted that this method has transformed the ability to address cases that were once deemed unsolvable. “It’s amazing. I mean it goes to show you now we’ve really broken the barrier,” he stated. This technology allows investigators to upload DNA profiles to public databases, enabling the tracing of suspects through family connections.
Historical Context
The use of genetic genealogy has gained prominence in recent years and has helped solve numerous long-standing cases, including that of the Golden State Killer, Joseph DeAngelo, who was convicted of multiple murders and rapes in California.
Ontario Provincial Polstart Chief Supt. Karen Gonneau highlighted that as DNA technology evolved, previously unsolved homicides were re-examined, leading to the identification of Smith as the suspect in the three murders.
Call for Information
Sgt. Smith has urged the public for any additional information regarding Smith and possible undiscovered victims. It is noted that, prior to the identification of Smith, he had not been a suspect in these cases, despite having been incarcerated multiple times before and between the years of the murders.
Conclusion
This revelation marks a significant development in a case that has long troubled investigators and the families of the victims. The case’s resolution provides closure to the families involved and highlights the essential role of modern forensic science in criminal juststart. As investigations continue, authorities remain vigilant in seeking further information regarding potential additional victims.