Police receive flood of new tips about Jessop murder, launch tip line

Since identifying Christine Jessop’s killer through the use of DNA evidence last week, Toronto police say they’ve received more than 60 new tips from the public, prompting them to launch a dedicated tip line for information on the case.

The man believed responsible for Jessop’s murder in 1984, Calvin Hoover, died by suicide in 2015.

“The officers with the Cold Case section of Homicide have been grateful for the information they have received so far,” said Inspector Hank Idsinga, Unit Commander of Homicide. “Every detail that comes in can help us determine the last moments of Christine’s life and establish any connection to other possible incidents.”

Two photos of Calvin Hoover taken in 2015. HANDOUT/Toronto Police Service.

Toronto police Chief James Ramer said last week that Hoover was identified using DNA found on Jessop’s clothing and genetic genealogy.

“As investigators continue to trace the steps of Calvin Hoover from 1984 to 2015, they are asking for any and all information that could assist them with their efforts,” police said in a release Friday.

Police have set up the following dedicated phone number and email address:

• 416-808-7491
• jessoptip@torontopolice.on.ca

Jessop was last seen on Oct. 3, 1984 and her body was found over three months later. She had been sexually assaulted and murdered.

Neighbour Guy Paul Morin was initially convicted of her murder and sentenced to life in prison, but his conviction was overturned in 1995 based on new DNA evidence.

“I am relieved for Christine’s mother, Janet, and her family, and hope this will give them some peace of mind,” Morin said upon learning that Hoover had been identified. “They have been through a dreadful ordeal for 36 years since they lost Christine in 1984.”