Voluntary DNA sought in Cassandra Kaake homicide case

Image | Cassandra Kaake homicide update

Caption: Police spokesman Sgt. Matt D’Asti said at least 10 detectives are once again canvassing neighbours in the Benjamin Avenue area. (John Van Dusen/CBC)

People are being asked to volunteer for a DNA test in an effort to eliminate themselves from being a suspect in the death of Cassandra Kaake.
Kaake was found dead at the scene of a house fire on Benjamin Avenue on Dec. 11.
A postmortem examination found that Kaake died of blood loss caused by severe trauma. Police said the fire was intentionally set.
The examination also suggests her attacker, or attackers, may have suffered injuries during the struggle.
Police on Wednesday announced that they are asking neighbours or anyone who knew Kaake to voluntarily submit DNA samples.
"It is anticipated at some point that this will become a forensic investigation," Sgt. Matt D’Asti said.
"So in light of that, our detectives were back on the ground here today as I've indicated, there's a team of 10 detectives, that are paired, so up to 20 detectives who are here, canvassing the neighbourhood and we are again asking the public if they have any information, their relationship with the victim, if they knew the victim, and additionally we are asking for DNA samples from people to volunteer to bring that forward to us, in anticipation of this becoming a DNA investigation."
Police have also sent several pieces of evidence in the Kaake investigation to Toronto for forensic testing.