Editor's note: The following story has been updated from a previous version to include the name of the accused.
City police have charged a Barrie man with murder in the death of 20-year-old Katherine Janeiro, a young mother who was found dead in her Dunlop Street West apartment in October 1994.
Robert Bruce McQueen, 58, of Barrie, has been charged with murder. The accused was scheduled to appear via video today at the Ontario Court of Justice, located in Barrie, to be remanded into custody.
Janeiro was found dead in her home at 258 Dunlop St. W., near Anne Street, on Monday, Oct. 10, 1994. She died from multiple stab wounds.
On Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, investigators with the Barrie police homicide unit made an arrest in the case, which happened just over 26 years ago.
The investigation continued over the years and the arrest was prompted by new information received by the homicide unit approximately one year ago, according to police.
“In any investigation, it is important that every piece of information received is always closely examined; you just never know which one holds the key detail you are searching for and will lead your team ultimately to arrest the person responsible," case manager Det. Kevin Scales said in a release.
Janeiro’s daughter, Dawn, who was just two years old at the time of her mother’s death, provided a statement through city police.
“I want to thank those who never gave up hope in looking for my mother’s murderer," she said. "I wish my grandparents, Dinora and Fernando Janeiro, were alive to see this day. Grief is the most familiar feeling to me. Closure on my mother’s case will help to finally bring me some peace.”
Barrie Chief of Police Kimberley Greenwood commended detectives who've been involved with the case over the years for their "persistent determination" throughout the investigation while also commenting on the arrest.
“The announcement of an arrest in a historical investigation is one that can bring about mixed feelings of emotion for the family involved," the chief said. "The fact that today we can hold someone accountable for the violent death of Katherine Janeiro should serve as proof that no homicide case is ever closed until an arrest is made."
Anyone who may have information about the investigation can call Barrie police at 705-725-7025, ext. 2160.
