CANADA Canada - Margaret McWilliam, 21, Toronto, 27 Aug 1987 'Cinderella Murder'

[Gina20]

I'm confused by all the posts about David Fuller.

I think SaintGertrude is considering if the 1987 British murders of two dark-haired young, single women by a "Cinderella" killer who left behind a distinctive running shoe footprint are connected to the 1987 murder of Margaret MacWilliam by a "Cinderella" killer who left behind a distinctive running shoe footprint in Warden Wood.

'Cinderella' clue: Police are asking anyone who owns running shoes like these to call them as part of the investigation into the rape-slaying of jogger Margaret McWilliam in Scarborough – All Items – Digital Archive : Toronto Public Library

The running shoe in question in Britain was by Clarks.

 

[Gina20]

I'm confused by all the posts about David Fuller.

I think SaintGertrude is considering if the 1987 British murders (June and November) of two dark-haired young, single women by a "Cinderella" killer who left behind a distinctive running shoe footprint are connected to the 1987 murder of Margaret MacWilliam in Warden Wood by a "Cinderella" killer who left behind a distinctive running shoe footprint.

'Cinderella' clue: Police are asking anyone who owns running shoes like these to call them as part of the investigation into the rape-slaying of jogger Margaret McWilliam in Scarborough – All Items – Digital Archive : Toronto Public Library

The running shoe in question in Britain was by Clarks.

 

[Gina20]

Police closer to solving mystery of who killed Scarborough’s Margaret McWilliam in 1987

Years ago, police said they have the DNA of Margaret McWilliam's killer, but that he is not in the system. Have they compared it to David Fuller's DNA? Fuller is suspected of having committed many more murders. In the two to which he pleaded guilty, the victims were battered and strangled, as was Margaret. Margaret's murder involved a ligature.

What would it take to contact the British authorities, ASAP?

 

[SaintGertrude]

Police closer to solving mystery of who killed Scarborough’s Margaret McWilliam in 1987

Years ago, police said they have the DNA of Margaret McWilliam's killer, but that he is not in the system. Have they compared it to David Fuller's DNA? Fuller is suspected of having committed many more murders. In the two to which he pleaded guilty, the victims were battered and strangled, as was Margaret. Margaret's murder involved a ligature.

What would it take to contact the British authorities, ASAP?

Can I just ask, was Margaret sexually assaulted after her death or before.

 

[Gina20]

Do we know where in the UK Margaret was planning the visit for her UK walking holiday. Fuller had Portsmouth in Hampshire and Tunbridge Wells, Kent connections.

Margaret's family has avoided the media over the years, but did grant an interview for the anniversary article. They could answer this question.

 

[SaintGertrude]

Margaret's family has avoided the media over the years, but did grant an interview for the anniversary article. They could answer this question.

This is the one thing that stands out with Fuller's Modus Operandi.

 

[Gina20]

“There would likely be a lot of conflict in his relationships,” he said. “He likely would not be in a high-profile job, likely be in a low-end job, change jobs frequently, not an excellent communicator more so with women than men, likely now if not at that time abusing alcohol and drugs, may have had some sort of a traumatic family issue happening at the time surrounding whether it was family violence happening within his home, against his own mother, a discord with his mother . . . ”

When asked why he hasn’t come up in subsequent investigations, Gallant offered a few reasons.

He could be dead — suicide, disease or natural causes.

Other options on why he hasn’t been caught could be because he moved out of the country a short time after he committed the offence.

The only other possibility why this man isn’t on the radar is because he didn’t commit another murder, which Gallant finds unlikely.

Nearly 30 years later no leads in ‘Cinderella murder’

What if he never lived in Canada, and simply left the country like any other tourist after a visit?

 

[dotr]

'Cinderella' clue: Police are asking anyone who owns running shoes like these to call them as part of the investigation into the rape-slaying of jogger Margaret McWilliam in Scarborough – All Items – Digital Archive : Toronto Public Library

 

[SaintGertrude]

This is the one thing that stands out with Fuller's Modus Operandi.

The other possibility is that the Tunbridge Wells murderer I was thinking about could have had an accomplice which we do not know about. The original e-fit looks nothing like him as the guy in the e-fit photo of TW suspect has dark hair and a moustache. We know from old photos that Fuller had blond hair and sun bleached eyebrows.
In fact there is a freedom of information request on what do they think they know site and it is pointed out that there may have been two suspects at the time.

Who was the Tunbridge Wells Bedsit Killer?
The original suspect (although not a person of colour suspect as with Mc William case) shown in this link looks strangely similar to the person who killed Margaret McWilliam.

Just putting it out there as a thought by My opinion only.

 

[SaintGertrude]

The Bedsit Murders: Caroline PIERCE & Wendy KNELL — A.G.P STORIES

 

[Gina20]

SaintGertrude, there is another reason Cutting Crew could have been in Toronto in late summer of 1987. They were touring to support their debut album. Famed record producer Terry Brown had a studio in Toronto. In 1987, they spent a couple of weeks at the top of the charts with the breakout hit from the album.

Fabulous Flip Sides Interview with Cutting Crew’s Nick Van Eede

(I Just) Died in Your Arms - Wikipedia

Terry Brown (record producer) - Wikipedia

I could not find a tour date in Toronto. A studio visit or personal visit likely would not appear on any fan site.

 

[Lexiintoronto]

Just noting the setting of that area in 1987.

Margaret lived close to the intersection of Warden & St. Clair. At that time, going clockwise: Warden subway (and bus) station, Warden Woods Park entrance, vast vacant land, and Warden Woods Mall that was set back from the intersection.

The area wasn’t highly populated by homes, mainly because the subway made it a less desirable place at the time. Scarborough was developing. (It’s now officially part of Toronto, or GTA, and the area is built up.)

The park entrance was marked by a sign, but little else indicated that if you ventured down you’d find a nice park with trails.

Bluffers Park is relatively close by. If you were from outside the area, that’s where you’d go because it’s close to the lake and the beautiful bluffs. I think Warden Woods was primarily used by locals. Remember that we didn’t have the internet or social media to map out areas. You’d have to explore based on available printed or tv information.

I went down there to cycle a few times in that era as a young girl, but felt uncomfortable by how secluded it felt. Margaret may have felt more comfortable as it was only a few hundred metres from her home.

I mention this as I think the killer was local or familiar with the area. Possibly familiar with the subway station. If he ventured down there and murdered Margaret out of the blue, without knowing the area, I’d be surprised.

 

[Gina20]

Just noting the setting of that area in 1987.

Margaret lived close to the intersection of Warden & St. Clair. At that time, going clockwise: Warden subway (and bus) station, Warden Woods Park entrance, vast vacant land, and Warden Woods Mall that was set back from the intersection.

The area wasn’t highly populated by homes, mainly because the subway made it a less desirable place at the time. Scarborough was developing. (It’s now officially part of Toronto, or GTA, and the area is built up.)

The park entrance was marked by a sign, but little else indicated that if you ventured down you’d find a nice park with trails.

Bluffers Park is relatively close by. If you were from outside the area, that’s where you’d go because it’s close to the lake and the beautiful bluffs. I think Warden Woods was primarily used by locals. Remember that we didn’t have the internet or social media to map out areas. You’d have to explore based on available printed or tv information.

I went down there to cycle a few times in that era as a young girl, but felt uncomfortable by how secluded it felt. Margaret may have felt more comfortable as it was only a few hundred metres from her home.

I mention this as I think the killer was local or familiar with the area. Possibly familiar with the subway station. If he ventured down there and murdered Margaret out of the blue, without knowing the area, I’d be surprised.

Was this a place cyclists knew about, and do you know if it was it on cycling maps at the time?

 

[Lexiintoronto]

Was this a place cyclists knew about, and do you know if it was it on cycling maps at the time?

Yes, I recall them. I was an avid cyclist and was part of a group. That’s why I went down there to begin with, to ride without vehicle traffic.

 

[Gina20]

Here's another possible victim of the "bedsit killer".

Bedsit killer morgue rapist 'could be probed over unsolved barmaid murder'

Note the similar appearance to Margaret McWilliam.

I checked out the thread here on WS, and as SaintGertrude mentioned, police investigators did come to Canada with regard to David Fuller (they also went to Australia). This is interesting, because police investigating Margaret's killer said that they believe the man could have left the country or died. They think he would have committed crimes again, and yet the DNA trail ended in 1987.

UK - Arrest in 1987 'Bedsit Murders' of Wendy Knell, 25, and Caroline Pierce, 20, in Kent

The Bedgebury Forest is heavily wooded, not unlike Warden Woods. David Fuller was a cyclist and birdwatcher.

I know that Canada has more than enough sexual predators who could have killed Margaret, and too many more since then. Paul Bernardo lived in nearby Scarborough. Russell Williams lived in Toronto. The list goes on.

The only way to rule David Fuller out in Margaret McWilliams' murder is to rule him out. Compare the DNA samples. Until this is done, the mystery will remain.

ETA, the location where Fuller dumped one of his victims was just off a path where he cycled regularly with a cycling group. Others in the group probably thought it was as lovely place, not knowing that human remains were waiting to be discovered nearby, and one of their group was the cold-blooded killer responsible.

The double murderer who sexually abused the dead for decades

 

[dotr]

rbbm.
McWilliam, Margaret
''Margaret, 21, was a student at Ryerson University and worked part-time as a receptionist and dining room supervisor at Fellowship Towers seniors’ home (now called Davenhill Senior Living). ''

''A police dog found her body in the park later that day. Her assailant had punched her in the face leaving bruising and there were signs she fought him during the assault. Police were able to collect DNA samples from cells on her sweater that have lead to a strong profile of her killer, but it has yet to match anyone.

The case, called the “Cinderella Murder” was very high-profile at the time because Margaret had been murdered during broad daylight in a public area.

• Police believe Margaret was not targeted and did not know her assailant
• Police believe this was a crime of opportunity (wrong place at wrong time)
• A very distinctive shoe print was found at the scene of a Korean-made gray and white runner with vinyl tops and the letters AAU on the heel. The shoes were only sold at Bata Shoe Stores in Canada''

''Two months after the murder, police provided a sketch of a “potential witness” who left Warden Woods Park after 8 p.m. He was described as a light-skinned black man in his 30s with a thin moustache. He had a muscular build and was wearing a red hat.

Police developed a psychological profile of the killer that said:

• He would have difficulty communications with and maintaining relationships with women
• He would work in a low-end job and change jobs frequently
• Probably uses drugs and alcohol
• Possible traumatic incident involving his family at the time of the murder, either family violence or some kind of emotional turmoil with his mother

Police do not believe this was his first or last attack, but his DNA has not been matched yet because he is dead or left the country. Police do believe he confessed his crime to someone who has the key to bringing justice to Margaret’s killer.''

''Toronto Homicide at 416-808-7400, [email protected]
Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477), www.222tips.com, text TOR message to CRIMES (274637)''

 

[SaintGertrude]

Here's another possible victim of the "bedsit killer".

Bedsit killer morgue rapist 'could be probed over unsolved barmaid murder'

Note the similar appearance to Margaret McWilliam.

I checked out the thread here on WS, and as SaintGertrude mentioned, police investigators did come to Canada with regard to David Fuller (they also went to Australia). This is interesting, because police investigating Margaret's killer said that they believe the man could have left the country or died. They think he would have committed crimes again, and yet the DNA trail ended in 1987.

UK - Arrest in 1987 'Bedsit Murders' of Wendy Knell, 25, and Caroline Pierce, 20, in Kent

The Bedgebury Forest is heavily wooded, not unlike Warden Woods. David Fuller was a cyclist and birdwatcher.

I know that Canada has more than enough sexual predators who could have killed Margaret, and too many more since then. Paul Bernardo lived in nearby Scarborough. Russell Williams lived in Toronto. The list goes on.

The only way to rule David Fuller out in Margaret McWilliams' murder is to rule him out. Compare the DNA samples. Until this is done, the mystery will remain.

ETA, the location where Fuller dumped one of his victims was just off a path where he cycled regularly with a cycling group. Others in the group probably thought it was as lovely place, not knowing that human remains were waiting to be discovered nearby, and one of their group was the cold-blooded killer responsible.

Are there not any passenger lists we can look at to see who came in and out of the country as with the Australian listings. Canada only seems to go up to 1922 because of the 100 year rule at a guess.

Necrophiliac murder accused was 'kind and gentle'
David Fuller was born in Deal in 1954 to parents Evelyn and Raymond and they later moved to South Africa when he was two or three but then returned to Portsmouth.

 

[Lexiintoronto]

ETA: I deleted my post as I’m not sure if I’m adding anything to the topic, only that I know the area well, especially from that era.

This area wasn’t an area for tourists. I know of 3 motels relatively close to the area and they were sketchy, they still are.

I can see the killer possibly working a low-skill job at Warden Woods Mall (it no longer exists.)

Scarborough was a bedroom community at that time, devoid of cultural or tourist attractions, except for the Bluffs. my view only. I grew up mainly on the Danforth, which is very culturally active.

 

[SaintGertrude]

rbbm.
McWilliam, Margaret
''Margaret, 21, was a student at Ryerson University and worked part-time as a receptionist and dining room supervisor at Fellowship Towers seniors’ home (now called Davenhill Senior Living). ''

''A police dog found her body in the park later that day. Her assailant had punched her in the face leaving bruising and there were signs she fought him during the assault. Police were able to collect DNA samples from cells on her sweater that have lead to a strong profile of her killer, but it has yet to match anyone.

The case, called the “Cinderella Murder” was very high-profile at the time because Margaret had been murdered during broad daylight in a public area.

• Police believe Margaret was not targeted and did not know her assailant
• Police believe this was a crime of opportunity (wrong place at wrong time)
• A very distinctive shoe print was found at the scene of a Korean-made gray and white runner with vinyl tops and the letters AAU on the heel. The shoes were only sold at Bata Shoe Stores in Canada''

''Two months after the murder, police provided a sketch of a “potential witness” who left Warden Woods Park after 8 p.m. He was described as a light-skinned black man in his 30s with a thin moustache. He had a muscular build and was wearing a red hat.

Police developed a psychological profile of the killer that said:

• He would have difficulty communications with and maintaining relationships with women
• He would work in a low-end job and change jobs frequently
• Probably uses drugs and alcohol
• Possible traumatic incident involving his family at the time of the murder, either family violence or some kind of emotional turmoil with his mother

Police do not believe this was his first or last attack, but his DNA has not been matched yet because he is dead or left the country. Police do believe he confessed his crime to someone who has the key to bringing justice to Margaret’s killer.''

''Toronto Homicide at 416-808-7400, [email protected]
Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477), www.222tips.com, text TOR message to CRIMES (274637)''

This is an interesting write up.
Will They Find Margaret McWilliam's Killer? - Ian Scott

As police have DNA there must be a few people who have been eliminated including any original suspects. Police have DNA of man who killed Margaret McWilliam

 

[Gina20]

I noted that the killer who left a boot print at the murder scene of nurse Sonia Varaschin in 2010 was not called a "Cinderella murderer", nor was this a "Cinderella murder". Another poster has noted that Margaret McWilliam and Sonia shared facial similarities.