Two decades later, unsolved Barrie murder back in spotlight with renewed $100K push

The Barrie Police Service Major Crime Unit is renewing its appeal for information in the unsolved murder case of April Dobson (L), with a reward now totaling $100,000 for any details that lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

It has been roughly two decades since a Barrie woman was fatally shot on the front porch of a home, and her riddled case still lingers without answers and without justice.

Police are now renewing their appeal for information by doubling the reward in the unsolved case to $100,000. Investigators say they are determined to provide answers to grieving family and friends who have spent years living with uncertainty.

On Monday, the Barrie Police Service Major Crime/Homicide Unit announced the push, raising it from $50,000 first offered in 2013 for details leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

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On the night of Oct. 14, 2005, 40-year-old Dobson at the time, had just finished her shift at the Swiss Chalet restaurant located on Molson Park Drive.

Investigators say she stopped by a coworker’s home at 300 Browning Trail to help work on her friend’s car. Later that evening, the two women, along with a roommate, sat outside enjoying Thanksgiving leftovers and a glass of wine.

Barrie police report Dobson was sitting with her back to the street when a single gunshot rang out just after midnight. She was struck in the head. Despite efforts by paramedics and officers at the scene, Dobson died from her injuries.

On that night, witnesses noted seeing a young white man, around 16 to 18 years old, running eastbound from the area. He was spotted hopping on a mountain-style bicycle and riding down a catwalk. Detectives believe he may have information related to the unsolved mystery.

Police say the case remains active and are asking anyone who was in the Browning Trail or Bronte Crescent area that night to come forward with tips.

“This case has remained unsolved for far too long, and April’s family deserves answers,” said Sgt. Brett Carleton of the Barrie Police Service Major Crime/Homicide Unit. “Our commitment to solving this case has never wavered. We are considering all possibilities when looking at who may have been involved, and this has remained an active investigation.”

Police emphasize even the smallest detail could help provide closure for Dobson’s loved ones. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Barrie Police Service Major Crime/Homicide Unit.

With files from former CTV’s Kim Phillips