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During the 1980s and early 1990s, the complexity of investigations into major crimes led to a change in the way these serious crimes were investigated. The murders of Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffey clearly showed the need for a more professional approach. As a result, the Major Crime Unit was created in the fall of 1993.
Now known as the Homicide Unit, there are six Detective Sergeants and a Detective Constable. Each officer is highly skilled and has extensive experience in criminal investigations. The unit is headed by a Staff Sergeant who reports to the Inspector of the Investigative Support Services.
The Campbell Report made it mandatory for Police Investigators in Ontario to follow certain guidelines. When investigating Major Cases the Homicide Unit complies with the requirements.
The Homicide Unit is responsible for investigating all homicides within the Region of Niagara. The Detectives assist in the following investigations:
- Assaults where death is likely
- Sudden deaths of persons in police custody
- Missing persons under suspicious circumstances
- Police shootings where death or injury has resulted including incidents involving Canada Border Services Agency officers
- Incidents involving sworn members of the Niagara Parks Police that meet the criteria for reporting to the S.I.U. under the Police Services Act of Ontario
- Unsolved cases
The Homicide Unit is currently investigating the following unsolved crimes. We are asking for any help the public may be able to offer in solving these crimes.
Cold Cases
| Frank Perry – Homicide |
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The deceased, Frank PERRY, was sixty-two years old at the time of his murder and lived with his wife at 5217 Ontario Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario. He is survived by his wife and five children, who still reside in Niagara Falls. On August 27, 1992, at approximately 9:08 a.m., PERRY was visited by a friend and was found dead in his bed. Post-mortem examination found that he had been struck numerous times in the back and side of the head with a blunt object. Mr. PERRY was home alone at the time of his death and it appears that he was in bed asleep when attacked. Police investigation has revealed that Mr. PERRY was retired, previously employed by the City of Niagara Falls. Mr. PERRY was actively involved in the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco, and would therefore be well known to many people. A cash box, containing cash and jewellery, was missing from the bedroom and is believed to have been the motive for this murder. If You Have Additional Information: Anyone with any information regarding this unsolved homicide is asked to contact Homicide Unit at 905-688-4111 Ext. 4200 Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 http://www.crimestoppersofniagara.com/ You can also contact the Homicide Unit by email to Major Crime Unit |
| Joseph Marsala – Homicide |
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Shortly after 1:00 a.m., on Friday, the 3rd of November, 1995, Joseph MARSALA, 47 years, 6336 Montrose Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario, was found lying on Kalar Road, between Chippawa Creek Road and Brown Road, Niagara Falls. MARSALA had been shot several times. Police found a white Oldsmobile, bearing Ontario licence 877-XPP, parked on Kalar Road. MARSALA is known to police as a drug trafficker and has a lengthy criminal record, dating from 1972, with convictions including drug trafficking, weapons and driving offences. MARSALA was known to frequent AA Auto Wreckers, situated at 7549 Kalar Road, Niagara Falls. Police have been able to track MARSALA's movements up to 11:30 p.m., Thursday, November 2nd, 1995. They are seeking information concerning MARSALA's whereabouts between 11:30 p.m. and the time that he was found on Kalar Road. Police have located witnesses who saw two vehicles travelling at a high rate of speed, southbound on Kalar Road, and westbound on Brown Road, away from the murder scene around the time that MARSALA's body was found. Police are seeking any information concerning the occupants of these vehicles.
If You Have Additional Information: Anyone with any information regarding this unsolved homicide is asked to contact Homicide Unit at 905-688-4111 Ext. 4200 Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 www.crimestoppersofniagara.com You can also contact the Homicide Unit by email to Major Crime Unit |
| John Horvath – Homicide |
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John Horvath was found murdered in his Norway Avenue residence in Welland, in early January 1999. A rear door to the residence had been forced and he had been beaten. It is believed he had interrupted a break-in at his home. Mr. Horvath was in his mid-seventies and lived alone. He was a former shop teacher, retired from E.L. Crossley Secondary School. Anyone with any information regarding this unsolved homicide is asked to contact: Homicide Unit at 905-688-4111 Ext. 4200 Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 https://crimestoppersniagara.com/ You can also contact the Homicide Unit by email to Major Crime Unit |
| Nadine Gurczenski – Homicide |
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On Saturday, May 8th, 1999, the partially clad body of Nadine Gurczenski, 26 years, was discovered in a roadside ditch beside Victoria Avenue (Regional Road #24) near 8th Avenue in Vineland. The area consists of farmland and is sparsely populated. It was more than two weeks before the Toronto area woman was identified. The cause of her death was not released, and it is believed she had been beside the road for approximately one day. Investigators are seeking to identify a man that had been seen with Nadine on more than one occasion, just prior to her death. He is described as being in his late 20s, 6', medium build, with short brown hair and clean shaven.
Composite of person seen in the company of Nadine Gurczenski If You Have Additional Information: Anyone with any information regarding this unsolved homicide is asked to contact Homicide Unit at 905-688-4111 Ext. 4200 Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 www.crimestoppersofniagara.com You can also contact the Homicide Unit by email to Major Crime Unit |
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