Police renew plea for public’s help in solving 2019 homicide

Windsor police have released a photo of a homicide victim one year after the discovery of her body in an effort to elicit tips from the public that will help solve the case.

Gerardine Butterfield was 63 years old when she was killed. Police were called to her apartment in the 500 block of Wellington Avenue for a report of a deceased woman on May 25, 2019, but investigators believe she was killed several days prior.

Butterfield lived alone and allowed only immediate family members to visit her.

“It would be very unusual for her to let anyone else into her apartment,” said Windsor police in a news release on Monday. “She lived a very quiet life and would only leave the apartment with family.”

Anyone seen with Butterfield, or seen attempting to contact her or leaving her apartment around the time of the homicide, and who was not a regular visitor in her family, would be considered suspicious, police said. Anyone who may have seen any such activity around the time of the homicide is asked to contact police.

The major crimes branch continues to investigate the homicide. Police said they have identified a person of interest, but investigators would like to hear from any witnesses or anyone who may have further information. Police have not released the identity of the person of interest.

“We would like to remind the public that although at times people may not think something they saw or heard would be significant to an investigation, it may be the one piece of information police are seeking,” police said.

Anyone with information can contact Windsor police at 519255-6700 ext. 4830 or Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or at catchcrooks.com.