Human remains found at the side of a rural road in Markham 44 years ago have been identified by the York Regional Police cold case unit as a 26-year-old Toronto man who had escaped from a Kingston prison in 1980.
On July 16, 1980, a Markham resident discovered the remains on the side of the Eleventh Concession, between 14th Avenue and Steeles Avenue. Initial forensic testing identified the remains as a white man, age 25 and 40, five feet six inches, weighing 100 to 120 pounds, with dark, medium-length brown hair, according to a York Regional Police news release. 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 investigators for 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, police said.
In 2021, investigators turned to investigative genetic genealogy (IGG), which resulted in investigators identifying relatives of the deceased. On April 3, 2023, the deceased was identified as William Joseph Pennell, 26, of Toronto.
Investigators then began to build a profile of Pennell. 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.
Pennell told his case officers that there were at least two other persons 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, police said.
In April 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. The cause of death was undetermined, however investigators believe foul play was involved.
Cold case unit investigators are working on identifying 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 this case will be featured in Tracking a Killer: The Cold Case Files Podcast Series airing on Friday, Nov. 15.
Anyone with information is asked to call 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800- 222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online.
