Niagara police have reclassified the death of a woman whose body was discovered in a house undergoing demolition as a homicide. They are now seeking individuals who were acquainted with her during the 1990s. The woman, identified as Brenda Marie Leblanc, born in 1963 in New Brunswick, resided in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines during that era. Her remains were unearthed at 7081 Stanley Ave. in Niagara Falls in November 2023 during the demolition of the property.

The police highlighted that the connection between Leblanc and the residence remains unclear. Despite the passage of decades, investigators believe there are individuals who may have had knowledge of Brenda or possess information crucial to understanding the circumstances surrounding her demise.

The property where the body was found had previously operated as a multi-unit rental dwelling from the late 1970s until approximately 2018, following which it remained unoccupied for several years and was frequently accessed and used by homeless individuals, according to law enforcement sources.

The discovery of Leblanc’s remains initiated an extensive inquiry conducted by the homicide unit in collaboration with forensic specialists. A forensic and anthropological examination revealed that the remains belonged to an adult female and suggested they had likely been at the location for numerous years, potentially dating back to the mid-1990s, as outlined in an official statement.

Although the body could not be identified initially, investigative genetic genealogy was employed last year to ascertain Leblanc’s identity. This advanced forensic method, combining DNA analysis with genealogical research, was facilitated by the Toronto Police Service, the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, and Othram Laboratories in Texas.

Authorities are yet to determine how Brenda ended up at the Stanley Avenue property. The property owners have been cooperative with the investigation, as stated by police officials. Detectives are urging anyone who was acquainted with Brenda LeBlanc during the 1990s or possesses information regarding her associates, whereabouts, or activities from that period to reach out to the NRPS Homicide Unit Hotline at (289) 248-1058.