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As a result of continued investigation, on Thursday October 10, 2024, Homicide Unit detectives arrested a suspect in connection to the death of Cathy Prosje.

42-year-old Joseph Villneff of Smithville is facing the following charge:

-       First Degree Murder

Villneff is currently being held in custody pending a bail hearing on Friday October 11, 2024, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in the City of St. Catharines.

Cathy was located deceased in their shared Smithville home on April 26, 2024.

The Niagara Regional Police Service would like to thank members of the public who contacted detectives to assist with this investigation.

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.

UPDATE 2 – August 12, 2024

Detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service continue to investigate the death of an adult female in Smithville that occurred on April 26, 2024.

Investigators have identified the female as 62-year-old Cathy Prosje of Smithville and are asking anyone who may have had contact with her prior to her death on April 26, 2024, to come forward.

Additionally, detectives are continuing to look for Cathy’s computer which may have been discarded, traded, sold, or at local pawn shops. It’s described as a Hewlitt Packard Elite Book 840 G9 Notebook, silver with a 14-inchscreen, with serial number 5CG3106K1J (photos attached).

Anyone who has purchased or found this used laptop should contact detectives at (905) 688-4111, dial option 3, ext. 1009533. 

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.

UPDATE 1 – May 2, 2024

Niagara Regional Police Homicide Unit detectives are actively investigating this incident to identify the suspect responsible for this murder and are continuing to speak to people in the community as they investigate the death of a 62-year-old female who was found inside the home.

At this time, no arrests have been made. This is not believed to be a random act of violence.

We certainly understand and share the community’s concern. Our Homicide detectives are working to identify the person responsible while ensuring that the integrity of the investigation is not compromised 

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009533.

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.

ORIGINAL RELEASE – April 27, 2024

On April 26, 2024, at 12:33pm, 8 District (Grimsby/Lincoln/West Lincoln) uniform officers with the Niagara Regional Police Service were called to a home in the area of Lindan Street and Alma Drive in Smithville.

As a result of an investigation, officers located an adult female deceased inside the home.

The Homicide Unit with the Niagara Regional Police Service have taken carriage of the investigation.

The Forensic Services Unit (FSU) is currently processing the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, option 3 extension 1009533, or by calling CrimeStoppers at 1 (800) 222-TIPS.

 

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