Police investigating 1990s homicide after remains found at Niagara Falls residence

Police are asking for the public’s help after identifying human remains discovered during the demolition of a former residential property in Niagara Falls.

In November 2023, human remains were located during the demolition of a vacant home at 7081 Stanley Ave.

Before its demolition, the property had been vacant for several years and had previously operated as a multi-unit rental residence from the late 1970s until around 2018.

Since 2018, it has been frequently unlawfully entered and used by unhoused people.

A forensic and anthropological examination determined the remains belonged to an adult female and indicated that they had likely been at the property for many years, likely dating back to the mid-1990s.

Despite extensive investigative efforts, the identity of the deceased remained unknown.

In 2025, authorities used Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG), an advanced forensic method combining DNA analysis with genealogical research to help identify the deceased.

In collaboration with the Toronto police, the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service and Othram Laboratories in Texas, detectives were able to identify the deceased as Brenda Marie LeBlanc, who was born in 1963.

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Officers are investigating Marie LeBlanc’s death as a homicide based on the date and the forensic examination of the remains.

Police have determined that Marie LeBlanc lived in both Niagara Falls and St. Catharines during the 1990s when she was in her 30s. She was originally from New Brunswick.

Investigators have not yet established how she came to be at the Stanley Avenue property. They add that her connection to the address remains unknown.

The property owners have been cooperative throughout the investigation.

Despite the homicide taking place decades ago, authorities believe there are people who may have known Marie LeBlanc or have information that could assist in uncovered the details surrounding her death.

Anyone who knew Marie LeBlanc during the 1990s, or anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact police at 289-248-1058.

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