Janeiro Homicide Investigation
Arrest Made in Historical Homicide Investigation
On Monday, October 10, 1994, 20-year-old Katherine Janeiro was found deceased in her apartment at 258 Dunlop Street West, in the City of Barrie. A post-mortem examination was conducted, and the cause of death was determined to be multiple stab wounds.
On Wednesday, January 13, 2021, Barrie Police Service Homicide Unit investigators arrested a 58-year-old Barrie male for Murder in the death of Katherine Janeiro.
The investigation into this murder has continued over the last 26 years and the arrest was prompted by new information received by the Homicide Unit approximately one year ago.
The Case Manager, Detective Kevin Scales, states “in any investigation, it is important that every piece of information received is always closely examined; you just never know which one holds the key detail you are searching for and will lead your team ultimately to arrest the person responsible.”
Katherine’s daughter Dawn, who was just two years old at the time of her mother’s death provided the following statement: “I want to thank those who never gave up hope in looking for my mother’s murderer. I wish my grandparents, Dinora and Fernando Janeiro, were alive to see this day. Grief is the most familiar feeling to me. Closure on my mother’s case will help to finally bring me some peace.”
“The announcement of an arrest in a historical investigation is one that can bring about mixed feelings of emotion for the family involved. The fact that today we can hold someone accountable for the violent death of Katherine Janeiro should serve as proof that no homicide case is ever closed until an arrest is made. I commend our detectives, both past and present, for their persistent determination to see this investigation through to the end,” says Barrie Chief of Police Kimberley Greenwood.
Anyone who may have information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact the Barrie Police Service at 705-725-7025, extension 2160.
The accused is scheduled to appear via video on Thursday, January 14, 2021, at the Ontario Court of Justice, located in Barrie, to be remanded into custody.
Janeiro Homicide Investigation - Background
On Monday, October, 10, 1994, Katherine Janeiro was found deceased in her apartment located at 258 Dunlop Street, West, in the City of Barrie. She had suffered multiple stab wounds and succumbed to her injuries prior to being located by her friends.
The Barrie Police Service began an investigation with the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Forensic Identification Bureau after being dispatched to the crime scene in 1994. After an extensive and exhaustive investigation the case was turned over to the Ontario Provincial Police in October of 1999 in order to facilitate an investigative technique that was beyond the scope of the Barrie Police Service at that time. Unfortunately the investigative technique did not yield any results that would assist the investigation in pursuing the suspect(s). In February of 2012, the investigation was turned back over to Barrie Police Service.
The Barrie Police Service has obtained witness statements and collected numerous of pieces of physical evidence throughout this investigation. Investigators are currently working with the Center of Forensic Science to re-examine some of the existing evidence in light of scientific advancements in forensic analysis that have been made over the years. Investigators have sought the opinion of experts in various investigative and scientific fields, including DNA analysis and DNA mixtures, both here in Canada and the United States.
Procedures and investigative techniques mentioned have enabled investigators to eliminate certain persons of interest and have led police to identify suspects in the murder of Katherine Janeiro. Investigators are reaching out to people who were very close to Katherine or to this investigation. It is believed that there are people who are holding back key pieces of information out of fear, ultimately harbouring evidence that may be required to secure a conviction and bring closure to this investigation.
Anyone with information on this homicide is urged to call the Barrie Police Homicide Unit Tip line at (705)725-7025 ext.2160, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). Crime Stoppers is anonymous and does not subscribe to call display. You will not be required to testify in court and you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
The following links will provide further information regarding this crime.
If you have any information in regards to this crime, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or the Barrie Police Service at 705-725-7025 ext. 2160.
Should you wish to remain anonymous please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477) or submit your information online at https://www.p3tips.com. If you have any information on this crime or any others, being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.