Desperate for details about an unsolved murder, the city’s police force hopes to offer a $50,000 reward.
In September 2014, 32-year-old William Wapoose was found dead off the bike path in Chapples Park. The police ruled the death suspicious after arriving on scene, later confirming that the case was officially a homicide.
It’s the only remaining murder case left from 2014 without an arrest or charges.
“Our investigators feel that it’s definitely solvable,” said Police Chief J.P. Levesque. “We feel that there are people out there who have information and could help us solve it and lead to a conviction.”
Det. Shawn Harrison said they are at the point in the investigation information is still coming in, but at a slow pace.
“We know people are aware of what happened,” Harrison said. “We think that (a reward) like this is a good incentive.”
Harrison added that he believes the people who are familiar with the murder are concerned for their safety because they know who did it.
Historically, rewards have not led to convictions for murder cases in this city.
“My understanding, for Thunder Bay, we haven’t solved any (homicides) with rewards but again we have a good idea that people know who committed this act,” he said.
“We believe they will come forward with some information. It might not be enough but it will proceed the investigation forward.”
Harrison added that $50,000 is a standard reward for unsolved homicides.
The detective admits that it is a lot of money, but adds that information leading to an arrest and conviction will be worth it.
The Thunder Bay Police Services board approved the reward. It is expected to be brought to City Council for approval Monday.
