OPP continues search for killer 25 years after Leah Sousa murdered

CTV Barrie: Mother looking for justice Exactly 25 years ago Leah Sousa was murdered and her mother is pleading for Leah's killer to be found. Mike Walker reports

Exactly 25 years ago Tuesday Leah Sousa was murdered and the search for her killer or killers continues.

Leah was just 13-years-old when she was murdered in her home on Beachview Avenue in Cumberland Beach on Sept. 1, 1990.

"I'm really upset, twenty five years is a life time", said Leah's mother Lora Sousa. "She was robbed of her life, her dreams."

Investigators say they are determined to solve this case.

“This crime is one that has, and will never be forgotten by the community of Cumberland Beach both past and present, the surrounding communities and by any police officer that has ever assisted with any aspect of the investigation,” said OPP Sgt. Peter Leon.

The Sousa’s were asleep when police say an intruder or intruders broke into their home shortly after midnight.

Leah was sexually assaulted and taken out into the backyard where she was violently attacked and murdered.

Her mother Lora was attacked and was found unconscious on the living room floor. She survived, but is unable to remember the attack because of her injuries.

"I feel utterly helpless and I cannot stand it,"  Sousa said. "I can't rest unitl I see them arrested and convicted."

Lora's nine month old son was found unharmed in his crib.

Sgt. Peter Leon said a metallic weapon police believed was used to commit the murder has never been found.

Investigators that have been assigned to this case over the years have followed up on every tip, conducted countless interviews, utilized multimedia approaches, examined and re-examined evidence, conducted searches and reviewed a file that is one of the largest in in OPP investigative history, the force said in a press release.

“Investigators have followed up with over 15 hundred interviews, thousands of tips and each and every one on those tips has followed up and thoroughly investigated”, said Leon.

Police believe someone still resides in the area and has key information that could help solve Leah’s murder.

“I strongly believe that there is someone who still resides in the area who possesses the information that will help us solve this crime and after 25 years, there is no time like the present to come forward with that information”, said of Detective Inspector Dave Robinson, who is heading the investigation.

A $50 000 reward remains in place for any information that leads to the killer’s arrest and conviction.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Investigators have also created a special tip hotline which is available at [phone].

-With a report from CTV Barrie's Mike Walker