Windsor police reveal identity of murderer in 1971 cold case
Windsor police are publicly identifying the man responsible the murder of a six-year-old girl over 50 years ago.
Police say Frank Arthur Hall, then 22 years old, was the person who killed Ljubica Topic in 1971.
“Through relentless investigative work and advances in forensic technology, our Major Crimes Unit solved the decades-old mystery in 2019,” said a news release from police. “Now, following an internal review of the case, we are confirming that Frank Arthur Hall, then 22 years old, was the person who committed the horrific homicide.”
Topic was abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered on May 14, 1971. Police say she had been playing outside her family's home on Drouillard Road when a stranger lured her away with the promise of money. She was later found, deceased, near an alley one kilometre away.Ljubica Topic, 6, is shown in this photo at Windsor Police Headquarters in Windsor, on Friday, Dec. 13, 2019. (Michelle Maluske / CTV Windsor)
At the time of the murder, Hall lived in the 1800 block of Drouillard Road, which was less than two kilometres down the street from the Topic family’s residence. Police say DNA evidence was crucial in establishing Hall as the person who murdered Ljubica Topic.
Hall later moved from Windsor to Edmonton, Alberta, where he remained until his death at the age of 70 in February 2019.
Windsor police initially declined to name Hall as the individual who murdered Topic, citing the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, but police say the new leadership team reexamined and ultimately overturned the decision.
“We are committed to operating with full transparency and serving the interests of the people of Windsor and Amherstburg,” said Police Chief Jason Bellaire. “We hope this decision meets the public’s need for knowledge and offers the opportunity for members of the community to provide further information that may assist with other investigations.”
Moving forward, police say all such cases will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for public awareness.
In 2022, the Major Crimes Unit was presented with the Ontario Homicide Investigators Association’s Lynda Shaw Memorial Award for their work in solving the homicide.
Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 519-250-6700, ext. 4830. They can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
NEW Iconic Canadian song turns 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Whooping cough outbreak declared in Newfoundland
Health officials say there is an outbreak of whooping cough in eastern Newfoundland.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
NEW How Canadians can watch the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest
Europe’s top pop stars are out and about for the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, taking place in Malmo, Sweden.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.