News Release
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(ORILLIA, ON) – Leah Sousa was only 13-years old when an intruder broke into her family’s home located on Beachview Avenue in Cumberland Beach sometime after midnight on September 1, 1990. Her mother Lora was attacked with an unknown object and would later be found unconscious on the living room floor. Leah was sexually assaulted and taken out into the backyard where she was violently attacked and murdered. A nine month old child was found unharmed and in his crib.
Investigators that have been assigned to this case over the years have followed up on every tip, conducted countless interviews, utilized multimedia approaches, examined and re-examined evidence, conducted searches and reviewed a file that is one of the largest in in OPP investigative history.
This is a horrific crime that after 25-years remains not only unsolved, but one that will never be forgotten by the community of Cumberland Beach (both past and present), the surrounding communities and any police officer that has ever assisted with any aspect of the investigation.
This ongoing investigation is currently being conducted under the direction of Detective Inspector Dave Robinson of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB). Detective Inspector Robinson says “I strongly believe that there is someone who still resides in the area who possesses the information that will help us solve this crime and after 25 years, there is no time like the present to come forward with that information”.
The OPP is also reminding the public that a $50 000 Reward remains in place for any information that leads to the killer’s arrest and conviction.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). You can submit information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.
A special Tip Hotline is also available at (705) 329-7588.
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