Police identify murder victim whose skull was found in Ontario river more than three decades ago

Police identified the homicide victim as Gerald Durocher who would have been 38 years old at the time of his death. (Peterborough Police Service)

Police have identified a man whose skull was found almost 40 years ago in a Peterborough-area river.

In a release, police said the human remains are those of Gerald Durocher, who would have been 38 years old at the time of his death.

Recreational divers located the man’s skull about 130 feet from shore on July 10, 1988, in the Otonabee River near Lock and McKeller streets in Peterborough.

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At the time, when they conducted a post-mortem examination, police said they could only determine the skull belonged to a man and that he was a victim of homicide.

Though officers said they extensively searched underwater and in the air for the remainder of his body, it was never recovered.

Just over three years ago, Peterborough Police Service (PPS) said they submitted evidence to Othram – a Texas-based lab that leverages forensic genealogy to solve cold cases – and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, hoping advanced testing could provide new leads and help identify the "Otonabee River Man."

An aerial view of the Otonabee River in 1988. (Peterborough Police Service)

Othram scientists built a "comprehensive DNA profile" that was then used by genealogists to identify any potential relatives. From there, police said they used that information to find and interview these people.

"It was through this process, as well as subsequent confirmatory DNA testing by the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service that led to the positive identification of the victim," PPS said in a release.

The service added that the case "has never been forgotten," adding they have tried various methods over the last 36 years to identify the victim's remains.

Police said they are currently looking at "all avenues" to further their investigation.

"Although we have learned that Gerald was residing in the Ottawa area, we know that he lived a lifestyle that saw him visit many places," they said in a YouTube video.

"Gerald had connections throughout the province of Ontario, and in the months leading up to his death, he is believed to have frequented the Vendome Hotel, which is located at the intersection of Somerset and Rochester streets in Ottawa."

Peterborough Police said Durocher frequented the Vendome Hotel in Ottawa ahead of his death. (Peterborough Police Service)

Investigators said Durocher also had ties to cities outside of the province, including central B.C.

Police are asking anyone with information about Durocher, or his death, to come forward as they say "even the small details can play a large part in solving a case."

Anyone with information can call 705-876-1122, ext. 266, or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

Crime Stoppers says it is offering a $5,000 reward for anyone who has information leading to an arrest in this case.