Regina police say woman’s 1996 death was a homicide, closing cold case

Police in Regina have closed the investigation into a woman’s death in 1996, but while the case is now considered a murder, police said the suspect is also deceased.

The Regina Police Service Cold Case Unit said it has concluded its investigation into the death of Muriel Roxanne Demorest, a 22-year-old woman who was found dead in an alley on King Street.

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“The death of Muriel Demorest was originally classified as accidental. It appeared she was fatally injured while changing a tire on a vehicle,” the police service said in a statement.

“Over the past number of years, new statements to police regarding this case led investigators to review the file.”

Police said officers working with the Saskatchewan Coroners Service determined that Demorest’s death was a homicide earlier this year.

According to police, officers have “reasonable and probable grounds to believe the suspect caused the death of Muriel Demorest,” but they’re not able to act on the information because the suspect recently died.

“His identity will not be disclosed, as he is unable to be formally charged,” police said. “The investigation is officially concluded, 29 years later.”

Demorest’s family members have been notified of the developments in the case.

“The Regina Police Service remains committed to seeking truth, no matter how much time has passed,” acting police chief Lorilee Davies said in a statement.

“As technology evolves and new information comes to light from witnesses, our investigators continue to review historical cases with fresh eyes and open minds.”

The police service reminded the public that it’s important to bring forward any information that could lead to a break in an investigation, no matter how much time has passed or how insignificant the details may seem.

“We want the public to know that we will never stop pursuing answers,” Davies said.