William Joseph Pennell

Overview

On July 16, 1980, a Markham resident discovered human remains on the side of the Eleventh Concession, between 14^th Avenue and Steeles Avenue. Initial forensic testing identified the remains as a white man, between 25 and 40 years old, 5’6”, weighing between 100 and 120 pounds, with dark, medium-length brown hair. Due to the state of decomposition, no identification could be made and he remained unidentified for 44 years.

In 2007, the remains were exhumed by Cold Case Unit investigators, for the purpose of attempting a facial reconstruction and to obtain DNA. The following year, a DNA profile was developed and uploaded to the national DNA database, however, there were no matches 

In 2021, investigators turned to Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG), which resulted in police identifying relatives of the deceased. On April 3, 2023, more than 40 years after his death, the deceased was identified as William Joseph Pennell, 26, from Toronto.

Officers then began to build a profile of Pennell, learning that he spent time in several correctional institutions for a variety of criminal offences.

On June 30, 1979, while on parole, Pennell was arrested and charged with armed robbery and attempted murder. Due to his parole violation, he was immediately incarcerated at the Collins Bay Institution in Kingston, Ontario. Pennell told his case officers that there were at least two other people involved in the attempted robbery. He admitted to his role in the crime, but refused to implicate the other suspects involved, believing his life would be in danger.

In April of 1980, Pennell was convicted of the robbery. Two months later, on June 13, 1980, he escaped from prison. To date, no detailed records related to the escape have been found. Pennell told a friend he intended to flee to South America in what is believed to be his last contact before his death.

A month following his escape, Pennell’s remains were found in Markham on July 16, 1980. The cause of death was undetermined; however, investigators believe foul play was involved.

The investigation is ongoing as Cold Case Unit investigators work to identify additional friends and associates to build a timeline between Pennell’s escape and when his body was found. They are hoping the public’s assistance can help solve this decades-old case.

Further details of the case are featured on the November 15, 2024 episode of ‘Tracking a Killer: The Cold Case Files’.

From the cold case files

Points of Interest

Help solve a cold case

Do you have information about William Joseph Pennell? Do you know anything about him, or the circumstances that led to his death? 

If so, please contact the York Regional Police Cold Case Unit at 1-866-876-5423 ext. 7865 or email the investigators directly. Want to remain anonymous? Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, leave a tip online at www.1800222tips.com or text a tip by sending TIPYORK and a message to CRIMES (274637).