Cold Case from Toronto: Alleged Identification of William Joseph Pennell

The human remains of a man from Toronto, allegedly identified as William Joseph Pennell, have been linked to a cold case that has lingered for over 40 years. The York Regional police (YRP) are actively seeking information that could lead to an arrest in this ongoing investigation. On July 16, 1980, a Markham resident stumbled upon the remains on the side of the 11th Concession, igniting a mystery that would take decades to unravel.

YRP’s forensic testing initially indicated that the remains belonged to a white male, aged between 25 and 40, who stood approximately five feet six inches tall. Sadly, the extensive decomposition of the body at the time made identification impossible. It wasn’t until 2021, through Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG), that police could finally connect with Pennell’s relatives, leading to an official identification on April 3, 2023.

Background on Pennell’s Life

Allegedly, William Joseph Pennell had a troubled past, with a criminal history that included armed robbery and attempted murder. He had been sentenced to prison after a parole violation in June 1979 and escaped from custody just two months after his conviction in 1980. It’s been reported that he had confided to officers about two other individuals involved in his crimes but refrained from naming them due to fears for his safety.

His last known contact, before his escape, suggested plans to flee to South America. However, a month later, his remains were discovered, leading investigators to suspect foul play in his death.

YRP is now appealing to anyone who might have known Pennell or has information about his final days. They aim to piece together the timeline from his escape until the discovery of his remains. This case is far from closed, and the authorities are urging anyone with insights to step forward.

For those interested in digging deeper into this chilling case, NewsRadio’s podcast, *Tracking a Killer: The Cold Case Files*, will feature it on November 15. You can catch it on the [Seekr app](https://www.seekyoursound.com/) or wherever you listen to podcasts.