More details are beginning to emerge about the investigation surrounding the double homicide of two young women who were shot dead in a Fort Erie party mansion earlier this year.
In a plea on Thursday, the service announced it would be doubling the cash reward for information that can lead to a conviction for the murders, to $100,000.
"Investigators have identified most of the people at the party that night. Some of them have been spoken to and provided valuable information," said Staff Sgt. Steve Magistrale in a video posted to the services' website this morning.
"However, others simply refuse to cooperate," continued Magistrale.
It was on January 19, around 4:17 a.m that police received a call from a witness alerting them of possible gunfire inside a residence on Fort Eries waterfront.
Officers arrived to find the house, a well-known short-term rental known to harbor frequent parties, deserted, apart from Christine Crooks, 18, and Julianna Pannunzio, 20, who were left dead on the scene.
Police have previously said that 'events occurred inside', which ultimately led to the incident, but have not expanded on those circumstances.
However, the police revealed on Thursday that the gathering was a birthday party for one of the attendees.
A handful of individuals seen in a photo from the night of the party have become interesting to the investigators, who released the photo in hopes of getting in touch with the individuals.
"This is a photograph taken inside the residence on the night of the murders," said Magistrale.
"Investigators are looking to identify and speak to the people in this photograph. Specifically, the male and female who are not wearing a mask."
NRPS Homicide Unit Tip Line can be reached at 289-248-1058.
