Update in Homicide Cold Case - Gurczenski

Following an extensive investigation, the Niagara Regional Police Service is now able to provide an update on a homicide cold case investigation.

On Saturday May 8, 1999, at approximately 5pm, uniform officers responded to the area of Victoria Avenue near Eighth Avenue in the Town of Lincoln, following reports of a partially dressed woman’s body in a roadside ditch. 

Investigation determined that the deceased was a victim of homicide, and she was subsequently identified as 26-year-old Nadine Gurczenski of Toronto.  DNA evidence was collected from the victim, however it could not be linked to an individual at that time.

Despite an extensive investigation, no suspects were identified, and the case has remained unsolved since 1999.    

The Niagara Regional Police Service Homicide Unit considered advancements in DNA technology and implemented the use of Investigative Genetic Genealogy to further this investigation.  

These tools, combined with traditional police investigation techniques, has resulted in the identification of a suspect believed to be responsible for the murder of Nadine Gurczenski. 

Joseph Archie “Raymond” Brousseau, formerly of New Liskeard, Ontario was 34 years of age at the time of this incident.  He died in 2017.

Based on the investigation and evidence collected, if alive today, Raymond Brousseau would have been arrested and charged with:

• Second Degree Murder

Since the suspect is deceased, no formal charges can be laid, and the matter cannot be litigated at trial.

Through the course of their investigation, detectives learned that Raymond Brousseau was employed as a truck driver and travelled extensively throughout Canada and the United States for work; he also had ties to Quebec.

The Niagara Regional Police Homicide/Cold Case Unit would like to acknowledge the dedicated work of the original investigators in 1999 and others that have contributed to this investigation over the years. 

The Service would also like to express their appreciation to the Toronto Police Homicide - Cold Case Unit, the Centre of Forensic Sciences, Office of the Chief Coroner, and the Ministry of the Attorney General for their invaluable assistance and guidance.  The contributions of these law enforcement partners were critical in bringing this investigation to a successful conclusion.

Investigators would also like thank the Gurczenski family for their patience and ongoing support. 

Nadine’s husband Paul, daughter Heather, son Nash, and the rest of her family state:

“We want to recognize that Nadine was an incredibly important part of our family. She meant more than a news headline. She was a beautiful young woman inside and out, mother, wife, and now grandmother who had her whole life ripped away from her and everyone who loved her. She is very loved and missed every day by her whole family and we will always make sure her memory lives on forever. 

Thank you to the Niagara Regional Police Services and anyone else who has helped us through the years for dedicating their time to solving her case. We are grateful for the new technologies that weren’t available years ago. You have brought our family peace and closure.” 

Deputy Chief Todd Waselovich states:

“Through the tireless work of detectives, we are able to offer some measure of closure for Nadine’s grieving family. 

While nothing can ease their pain, the determination of our detectives is evident in identifying the person responsible for her murder.  Investigations such as these take a toll on our members, as they carry that weight with them in the search for justice.

We want to thank Nadine’s family for their patience and cooperation as we continued to seek out answers.”

Anyone with further information is asked to contact detectives at (905) 688-4111, dial option 3, ext. 1009060.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.  Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.