The 2024 Ontario Homicide Victim List is available here

Niagara Regional Police Service responded to a home in the area of Lindan Street and Alma Drive in Smithville.

Officers arrived to find an adult female deceased inside the home. Police have not released the victim’s identity of cause of death.

The Homicide Unit with the Niagara Regional Police Service have taken carriage of the investigation. 

Update August 12th, 2024
Investigators have identified the female as 62-year-old Cathy Prosje of Smithville and are asking anyone who may have had contact with her prior to her death on April 26, 2024, to come forward.

Investigators are continuing to look for Cathy’s computer which may have been discarded, traded, sold, or at local pawn shops.  It’s described as a Hewlitt Packard Elite Book 840 G9 Notebook, silver with a 14-inch screen, with serial number 5CG3106K1J.

Anyone who has purchased or found this used laptop should contact detectives at (905) 688-4111, dial option 3, ext. 1009533.

On October 10th 2024, Niagara Regional Police arrested 42-year-old Joseph Villneff of Smithville is facing the following charge:

–       First Degree Murder

Update: On Thursday January 9, 2025, Homicide Unit Detectives arrested a suspect in connection to the death of Cathy Prosje. 55-year-old Carolyn Prosje, sister of the deceased, is facing the following charge:

–       Accessory after the fact to murder

Anyone with information that may further assist with this investigation is asked to contact Detectives at 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009533.