Niagara police continue to investigate murder case, 15 years later

This week marks the 15-year anniversary of what police are calling a ‘disturbing’ homicide in St. Catharines — one that detectives say they’re still investigating.

On Aug. 4, 2010, a fire broke out in the basement of a home on Oakwood Avenue. When firefighters were called to the scene, they heard cries for help coming from the home.

Emergency crews quickly discovered the cries were coming from 76-year-old Livia Beirnes, who had been bound with zip ties and was unable to escape the blaze. She died in hospital the following day.

Detectives determined that Beirnes was bound with “Ty-Rap Cable Tie” brand zip ties, which were not commonly sold in retail stores at the time. Police believe the suspect brought the ties with them to the scene.

Beirnes’ death was considered a homicide, and while the case is 15 years old, detectives with the Homicide Unit have not stopped their investigation. Today, they are making an appeal for information from the public, hoping someone has information that will bring detectives closer to finding the person responsible for her death.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009060, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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