THE Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Homicide Unit has launched an Unsolved Homicide Task Force to review multiple outstanding cases. 

“We will never forget the victims of homicides and all of these cases remain active. We have been meeting with and working with the families and loved ones of the victims to offer them support and ensure these crimes are solved,” said Chief Peter Sloly on Monday. “We have continued to follow investigative leads, bringing in new approaches like rewards and Neighbourhood Resource Teams to develop more community links. This new Task Force is the next step in our mission to solve these homicides, support the victim’s families, hold the perpetrators accountable and improve the safety of all affected communities.” 

Police say the victims in these crimes are primarily young men from marginalized communities. Improving public trust, providing heightened duty of care to the victims’ families and improving community safety and well-being in the most impacted communities will all be important outcomes from the efforts of the new Task Force. 

The Homicide Unit, formerly known as the Major Crime Section, will lead this effort with new resources and additional officers from diverse backgrounds. 

“Our Unit is dedicated to being the voice of the victims of homicides and to bringing justice to their loved ones,” said Insp. Carl Cartright. “Several cases from the past decade will be examined by a team of experienced investigators that will explore all investigative avenues and techniques, which may include the use of newer investigative techniques.” 

The number and exact cases will not be released at this time. Each of these cases are unique, however, investigators will also examine the possibility of any linkages that may be present.  In several of these cases the victims had fallen prey to gun violence.  

“In every case we have evidence and leads that we will follow up on, but we need help from our community,” said Cartright. “Homicides are solved because people with information come forward to police. If you know something, we ask you to come forward and do the right thing both for the victims and their families and to ensure this does not happen again.” 

The Homicide Unit will continue to update the public as the work of this Task Force continues. 

Anyone with information about unsolved homicides is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Homicide Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5493. 

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca