Ottawa police are offering a $100,000 reward for information that would help solve the murder of retired judge Alban Garon, his wife and an elderly friend nearly one year ago.

On June 30, 2007, police discovered the bodies of Garon, his wife Raymonde and Marie-Claire Beniskos inside the Garons' 10th-floor residence in the high-security Riviera condo complex near the Rideau River.

The three victims were found bound, gagged and beaten.

A police spokesperson read emotional letters from families of the victims, seeking public assistance in solving the murders.

"The investigation seems to be stuck in a rut, and frustration is everywhere, particularly among the police force," said a letter from the family of Raymonde Garon, who was 73.

"We therefore appeal to any and all members of the community to come forward should they possess the slightest clue that could facilitate the investigators' task, in order to bring this all-too-long affair to its conclusion and, who knows, perhaps ease our pain a little."

Police also reissued a composite sketch of a man they want to talk to regarding the killings. Ottawa Police Staff-Sgt. Monique Perras said the man is not a suspect or a person of interest.

He was seen in the elevator at 1510 Riverside Drive on Friday, June 29, 2007 between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., say police.

He is described as a white male in his early 40s, about five-foot-eight, weighing approximately 180 pounds.

The man is also described as having short black hair, with some grey, and a broad nose. At the time, the man was clean-shaven and wearing a white short-sleeve shirt with blue vertical stripes and dark pants.

In total, six investigators are actively working on the case and more than 1,500 interviews have already been conducted with people in Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton and even Spain.

The department has received 84 tips.

Although unconfirmed, investigators believe there may be a link between the murders and an apparent suspicious incident reported to friends by Raymonde Garon.

In the days prior to the murders, she had complained about the arrival of an unknown male, claiming to be a delivery person, at her condo.

While police say they've found "significant evidence" they have not released a motive for the crime.

"The investigation is progressing steadily and methodically," said the statement. "Investigators remain confident that this crime will be solved and the perpetrator or perpetrators brought to justice."

Alban Garon was appointed judge of the Tax Court of Canada in September 1988, associate chief judge in February 1999 and chief judge in February 2000. He was chief justice of the Tax Court of Canada from July 2003 until he retired in November 2004.

Before serving as a judge, Garon taught at the University of Ottawa law school and worked at Justice Canada.

Police say the reward will be given to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the three homicides.

Friends and family of the victims have raised $25,000, authorities said, and police are adding another $75,000 to that sum as a cash incentive for someone to come forward.

"This is a very difficult time, as so many questions remain unanswered," said a letter from the family of Alban Garon, who was 77 when he died, former chief justice of the federal tax court.

"This remains very frustrating both for the family and the police. ... We ask that anyone with information, as little as it may seem, to come forward and contact police to bring those responsible to justice."

Anyone with information should contact Ottawa Police Service Major Crime Section tips at (613) 236-1222, extension 5477, or email info@ottawapolice.ca.