More than 36 years after a dismembered human head was discovered in an Ontario river, Peterborough police say they’ve finally made progress.
The homicide case of the man found in the Otonabee River – now identified as Gerald Durocher – has puzzled investigators ever since that grim find by members of a recreational dive club over three decades ago.
On July 10, 1988, those divers ventured into the waters in Peterborough and uncovered a human head lying on the bottom of the Otonabee River about 130 feet from shore.
Shortly after this discovery, which occurred near Lock and Mc Kellar streets, police initiated a comprehensive air and underwater search to find the rest of the body. However, it has never been located.
According to their website, police determined during their investigation at that time that the head belonged to a man estimated to be between 40 and 74 years old.
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“Some lower molars were missing and had been lost well prior to death. Staining on remaining teeth indicates that this man was a smoker,” police mentioned on their cold case webpage.
“There is no evidence of dental care. He may have been bald or partially bald at the time of death. A small amount of facial hair is inconclusive about the possibility of a beard. Colouration suggests his hair and beard may have been dark coloured.”
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Investigators concluded his head was severed, leading them to treat it as a homicide case.
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At that time, police stated there were no outstanding missing persons cases involving men in the city, implying that the head might have been transported from elsewhere. They still don’t know how long it had been in the river or when he was killed.
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On Wednesday , police identified the victim as Durocher , who was born in November 1949 , making him 38 years old. Investigators believe Durocher had connections throughout Ontario , including Ottawa , as well as areas around Quesnel in central British Columbia.
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Investigators concluded his head was severed, leading them to treat it as a homicide case.
Story continues below
At that time, police stated there were no outstanding missing persons cases involving men in the city, implying that the head might have been transported from elsewhere. They still don’t know how long it had been in the river or when he was killed.
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On Wednesday , police identified the victim as Durocher , who was born in November 1949 , making him 38 years old. Investigators believe Durocher had connections throughout Ontario , including Ottawa , as well as areas around Quesnel in central British Columbia.
Get daily National news Get today’s top news , political , economic , and current affairs headlines delivered daily. Police used advanced DNA testing technology – becoming common for cold cases – to identify Durocher. In an announcement , they shared that investigators submitted evidence to Othram’s laboratory in The Woodlands , Texas along with assistance from Ontario Forensic Pathology Service back in October 2021. “Othram scientists used forensic-grade genome sequencing to build a comprehensive DNA profile which then helped Othram’s genealogy team identify potential relatives,” police explained. Story continues below “The Peterborough Police Service then used this information to locate and interview these individuals. It was through this process along with further confirmatory DNA testing by Ontario Forensic Pathology Service that led to identifying the victim positively.”
With Durocher’s identification complete , police stated they are “exploring all avenues” for progressing with their investigation while offering a $5,000 reward for any details leading to an arrest.
“Investigators encourage anyone who has information related to Durocher or his death come forward noting even minor details can significantly aid solving this case,” added authorities.
Anyone with information should contact police at 705 -876 -1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1 -800 -222-TIPS.
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