Toronto police have made an arrest in connection with the death of a 24-year-old man, who was killed on New Year’s Day, 2012. Tam Bui of the homicide squad began tweeting clues and photos related to the case, such as high heels, hair extensions, and a key chain, on Twitter with hopes of sparking new leads.
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The novel approach was inspired by the popular crime podcast Serial.
On Thursday, Dec. 3, McLane said Calgary Police and members of the RCMP in Alberta arrested Shawn Poirier in Calgary.
Police said the use of social media was “instrumental” in identifying witnesses and gathering new evidence in the case.
Officers are expected to provide more information at a news conference Thursday morning.
“It was done to reinvigorate the investigation and attract the attention of party goers”, McLane said.
Pimentel was head home after ringing in the New Year with friends when he was stabbed to death in Liberty Village.
Although a number of tips came in, police said at the time none resulted in any concrete leads.
“A short time later, Mr. Pimentel collapsed on the sidewalk suffering from an apparent stab wound”, McLane said.
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McLane said Pimentel was fatally stabbed in an altercation near East Liberty Street and Hanna Avenue after becoming separated from friends sometime before 2:45 a.m. on January 1, 2012. “We received very significant responses from the public”.
