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Toronto police say DNA helped solve Christine Jessop’s murder in 1984, but suspect is now dead
Toronto Police Chief James Ramer identified Calvin Hoover as Jessop’s murderer He was 28 at the time of the case and died in 2015
Ramer said a DNA sample found on Jessop’s underwear was identified on October 9 as belonging to Hoover
Christine’s brother Kenney Jessop told Global News the family « feels stunned » but « thankfully stunned » after hearing the news. He said they were going through the seven stages of mourning
Kenney said the suspect died by suicide a few years ago and was a family friend The killer’s wife was their father’s colleague, Kenney said
The nine-year-old went missing on October 3, 1984 in Queensville, Ont, and his remains were found three months later on New Years Eve in a rural part of Durham Region
The case gained national attention, particularly when police charged Jessop’s neighbor Guy Paul Morin with the death of the nine-year-old However, in 1995 Morin was exonerated due to advancement in DNA testing He had served 18 months in prison
Ramer said this ended both the Jessop family and Morin, who was briefed on the development on Thursday morning
However, the police are still asking the public for help in obtaining information on Hoover in order to work out a timeline as to his whereabouts and the last moments of Christine’s life
Police say Jessop intended to meet a friend that evening at a nearby park, but never showed up.She was last seen buying a packet of chewing gum at a local convenience store near her home
« I can assure you that there is a great sense of relief This has had an impact on the entire judicial and legal system, including prosecutors, judges and everyone involved in this process I can say that we are all really relieved that the person responsible has finally been identified, « said Ramer
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Christine Jessop, Calvin Hoover, Guy Paul Morin
News from around the world – CA – DNA solves 1984 murder of Christine Jessop, suspicious death: Toronto police
