Provincial police are hoping modern technology and social media will be the key to solving the 44-year-old murder of Suzanne Miller, a London mother whose body was found in a wooded area northeast of the city in 1974.
At a news conference Thursday, OPP launched a new "Find My Killer" campaign that utilizes new investigative tools that didn't exist at the time of Miller's death. The multi-media platform includes a detailed YouTube video about the case, signage on London Transit buses, and a vinyl-wrapped minivan that instructs citizens on how to provide tips.
"This minivan will be strategically parked in various locations in London and area to spur more memories and awareness," said Detective Superintendent Ken Leppert of the OPP criminal investigation branch. "This innovative approach has been successfully used to advance the investigation into the disappearance and likely death of two men in central Ontario 27 years ago."
Just ten days away from her 26th birthday, Miller vanished after leaving her London apartment on September 15, 1974. Her abandoned vehicle was later found in the Argyle Mall parking lot. Nearly a month after her disappearance, the body of the mother of three was discovered in a wooded lot near Thorndale on October 12, 1974. Investigators determined the cause of death to be blunt force trauma.
The location where Miller's murder actually took place has never been discovered, according to police.
"We are confident that people who lived in the London-area when these crimes occurred, may have information on this case and possibly others... using social media these persons with knowledge and information can now access the videos from anywhere in the world, anytime," said Leppert. "Solving this mystery will also remove a dangerous offender from society before they harm someone else. But we need the public's help to do it."
A dedicated toll-free tip line and email address -- 1-844-677-5060 and SMillerTips@opp.ca -- have been set-up for people to come forward with any information they may have. Tips can also be called into Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) for anyone wanting to remain anonymous.
Police also announced on Thursday that a reward for information that leads to the arrest of Miller's killer has been increased to $50,000.
Leppert would not comment on whether police have a suspect or person of interest in the four decades old case.
"We have an ongoing file. We certainly hope that this approach will bring further evidence that allows us to move this case towards identifying those responsible for murdering Suzanne Miller," said Leppert. "As long as we are receiving information, as long as it is generating tips, as long as it is assisting our investigation we will continue to canvass the community."