NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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The Niagara Regional Police Service continues to investigate the fatal shootings of Juliana Pannunzio and Christine Crooks that occurred on Jan. 19, 2021, in the Town of Fort Erie.
On July 8, 2021, Investigators released a photograph taken from inside the residence on the night of the murders. Police appealed to the public in an attempt to identify the persons captured in that photograph.
Investigators would like to thank the public for their continued interest in this investigation. The two unmasked people in the photograph have now been identified and no further information regarding their identity is being released at this time to preserve the integrity of the investigation.
The $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for these murders is still in effect.
Should you have any information or evidence related to this homicide investigation, please contact the Niagara Regional Police Service Homicide Unit Tip Line at (289) 248-1058.
Original release - July 8, 2021
On Jan. 19, 2021 at 4:17 a.m., the Niagara Regional Police Service received a 911 call regarding a disturbance at a residence in the Town of Fort Erie involving possible shots being fired. Upon arrival, police discovered the bodies of two deceased females, 20-year-old Juliana Pannunzio of Windsor and 18-year-old Christine Crooks of Toronto inside the residence with obvious signs of trauma.
The investigation has revealed that a group of individuals from outside the Niagara Region, including the two victims, attended a short-term rental accommodation for a planned gathering.
Pannunzio and Crooks died at the scene from gunshot wounds and all other parties fled the residence prior to police arrival.
The Niagara Regional Police Service is asking for public assistance in identifying the persons in the attached photo, taken inside the residence, specifically the male and female who are not wearing a mask.
The NRPS is also now offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for these murders.
Should you have any information or evidence related to this homicide investigation, please contact the Niagara Regional Police Service Homicide Unit Tip Line at (289) 248-1058.
The Regional Municipality of Niagara Police Services Board is authorizing a reward up to one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) pursuant to By-Law 390-2021 for evidence leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for these two murders.
Anyone who previously provided information to the Niagara Regional Police Service in relation to this investigation that comes forward with additional information may be eligible for this reward. Employees and relatives of law enforcement and correctional agencies are not eligible to collect this reward. The reward is payable in Canadian funds and shall be apportioned as the Niagara Regional Police Service deems appropriate. Claims will be recognized only when made in writing.
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