Windsor police are looking for new tips in the murder of a little girl 44 years ago.
The Windsor Police Service is releasing a new detail of the cold case. Through a news release, police say an adult incisor was found in the area of 1690 Hickory Rd., where six-year-old Ljubica Topic's body was found.
Police believe the tooth is related to the suspect in the case.
"With this information we're bringing forward to the public today, we're hoping to generate some interest to see if we can develop some new leads," says Constable Scott Chapman. "In this particular case, we've been unsuccessful in arresting someone during this period of time. We felt that information with respect to the tooth would possibly jar somebody's memory."
Police hope anyone who remembers a man losing a front tooth around this time will come forward. You're asked to call the Windsor Police Service at 519-255-6700 x4830.
Chapman has been on the case since 2014 and says the hundreds of tips were followed up on first before releasing information about the tooth found at the scene.
"In this particular case, we've been unsuccessful in arresting someone during this period of time," says Chapman. "We felt that information with respect to the tooth would possibly jar somebody's memory."
On May 15, 1971, the body of a six-year-old was found in the backyard of 1690 Hickory Rd. just off this alley that has since been closed. (Photo by Jason Viau)
The case dates back to May 14, 1971. Police say between 8pm and 9pm, then six-year-old Ljubica Topic and her brother, 8-year-old Michael Topic, were playing outside of their family home at 1290 Drouillard Rd., Windsor. Police say a man approached the children and offered Ljubica some money to go with him down the street while giving Michael some change to ride off on his bike.
Michael last saw his sister walking south on Drouillard Rd. holding the man's hand. Michael told his mom about what had happened and she, along with a friend, went to look for Ljubica. Mrs. Topic called police after not being able to find her daughter.
At about 1am the next day, four hours after Ljubica was led away, the little girl's body was found in the rear yard of 1690 Hickory Rd. not far off from an alleyway that no longer exists. The little girl had been violently beaten.
"We need to hear from you," says Chapman. "We need a name. Whether the person's alive or dead or not, we're hoping to move forward to resolve this case."