WINDSOR, Ont. – A man charged with murder in the death of a 31-year-old pregnant woman is known to the woman’s family, police in Windsor, Ont., said Thursday.
Cassandra Kaake was found slain in her home in December, following a fire.
Matthew Brush, 26, of LaSalle, Ont., faces six charges, including first-degree murder, arson with disregard for human life, and indecent interference with a dead body.
Police are not releasing information on a possible motive at this time. But Staff Sgt. Mark Denonville said the investigation has determined that Brush acted alone and they are not seeking any other suspects.
“Often times in cases like this, we find that due to lifestyle choices victims can sometimes bring themselves in harm’s way,” Denonville said during a news conference.
“In this case, Cassie could not be a more innocent victim,” he said.
Police made an unusual request last month for friends, family, co-workers and neighbours of Kaake to voluntarily provide DNA samples.
Although about 500 people agreed to supply their DNA, only a few people’s samples were collected and Brush was not one of them, Denonville said.
Police conducted a detailed canvass of the area around Kaake’s home and Denonville said it was information gathered from the public during this canvass that led to the suspect.
The DNA that was collected will now be destroyed, he added.
An autopsy found Kaake – who was seven months pregnant – died from loss of blood caused by severe trauma to her body.
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