Honouring Innovative Cold Case Work
Toronto’s work to lead the way in solving cases with genetic genealogy was honoured by the Ontario Homicide Investigators Association.
“Our team has been methodical in their work solving historical homicides,” said Homicide and Missing Persons Unit Inspector Ted Lioumanis. “They have made a considerable difference in a very short period of time by being innovative and dedicated.”
Cold Case Acting Detective Sergeant Stephen Smith said the award is a great honour.
“The TPS Homicide Cold Case team has emerged as a global leader in investigative genetic genealogy and the resolution of historical cases. It is a true honour to receive the prestigious Lynda Shaw Award. Being recognized by our peers from across the province is both humbling and deeply meaningful.”
The award is presented for vigilance and dedication demonstrated in historic homicide investigations. The presentation took place at the OHIA annual conference in Niagara Falls in May.
The award honours the memory of the Western University student who was murdered along Highway 401 in April 1990. It took 15 years for Ontario Provincial Police investigators to determine who killed her after exhaustive investigative work.
Comprising a team of experienced police investigators and civilian genealogists and analysts, Toronto Cold Case investigators apply cutting edge forensic technology, Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) and meticulous investigative strategies to bring long awaited answers to victims’ families and bring those responsible to justice.
Over the past three years, the TPS Cold Case team – working in tandem with 17 police services across the province – have solved 58 historical investigations.
They include the resolution of the 1984 murder of nine-year-old Christine Jessop through advanced DNA techniques and the 1983 murders of Erin Gilmour and Susan Tice that was linked to a suspect in 2022 who later received a life sentence.
Beyond their investigative achievements, the Cold Case Unit members are recognized across North America for teaching and mentorship.
They often present at national and international law enforcement conferences and institutions, including the International Symposium of Human Identification, the Canadian Police College and the Australian IGG conference.
The OHIA also recognized retired TPS member Pauline Gray with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the same conference.
“This award is a reflection of her exceptional career, her tireless efforts in the pursuit of justice and the profound impact she has had on the Toronto Police Service and the communities it serves,” said Lioumanis, who made the presentation.
Starting in 1988 on the streets of 14 Division, she worked in the Gambling Squad and Major Drugs and was a homicide investigator for 12 years before being promoted to Inspector where she supported Divisional Policing, Professional Standards, Communications and the Sex Crimes Unit.
As a Superintendent and Staff Superintendent, Gray led Specialized Criminal Investigations and Detective Operations prior to leading the Missing and Missed Implementation Team.
“Here, she led with patience and kindness, leaving the work only once she knew success was within reach,” Lioumanis said.
