LaSalle police are responding to inquiries about narratives on social media regarding the death of a 45-year-old woman, who union officials say was a personal support worker.
Police say Nancy Grewal of Windsor died after a stabbing in LaSalle. Shortly before 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, emergency services responded to the 2400 block of Todd Lane. Essex-Windsor EMS took her to the hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Police response
LaSalle police Chief Michael Pearce issued a statement on Thursday:
“Investigators are confident this was not a random act of violence. Ms. Grewal’s murder is being investigated as an intentional act against her. All information is being considered. While we recognize the significant public interest in this case, we will not share information that will compromise the investigation, including leads, tips, and investigative avenues.”
In an interview with CTV News, Pearce addressed growing public concern and speculation circulating online about the killing of Nancy Grewal on Todd Lane.
“We received a number of inquiries from media asking about different narratives they’ve heard and different motives,” Pearce said. “We wanted to share, especially with the citizens of LaSalle, that this is not a random act of violence.”
Pearce said investigators believe Grewal “was the subject of an intentional act of violence,” adding the message is meant to reassure residents who may be worried about their safety.
“Initially we received a lot of concern from our citizens. Do we need to lock our doors? Is there someone out killing people in LaSalle?” Pearce said. “Certainly we had a homicide. We’re not taking that lightly, but she was the subject of that act.”
Investigators were canvassing residents along Todd Lane on Thursday.
Police have not released details about what evidence led investigators to determine the killing was targeted.
“I won’t be sharing any of that information,” Pearce said. “We do have evidence and some information that makes our investigators confident that this was not a random act.”
Police also acknowledged there has been widespread speculation online about potential motives for the killing, including claims related to Grewal’s political views and activism.
Several international outlets, including People Magazine, have identified Grewal as a social media content creator who shared lifestyle videos and commentary on India-Canada politics.
Pearce said investigators are examining all information they receive but would not comment on any specific theory.
“We are considering all sources of information that we’re receiving,” he said. “Without getting more specific than that, we certainly are considering any pieces of information that our investigators get.”
Pearce said maintaining the integrity of the investigation remains a priority.
“We need to maintain the integrity of the investigation, and so we’re not going to be sharing specific potential motives, investigative avenues, tips or leads,” he said.
Police say no arrests have been made and Pearce would not comment on whether investigators have identified a suspect.
He added LaSalle police are in contact with other agencies as the investigation continues.
“We’re in conversations with the Windsor Police because Ms. Grewal lives in Windsor,” Pearce said.
Pearce also said he could not comment on whether Grewal had previously reported threats to police.
“Our investigators are working hard to solve this case and we hope to bring the offender to justice,” he said.
Union reaction
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) which represents more than 60,000 healthcare workers in Ontario identified Grewal as a personal support worker (PSW), saying she was working alone Tuesday night when the stabbing took place.
The union says this incident spotlights concerns around PSW’s working on their own.
The SEIU was unable to confirm if she was attending to a client at their home at the time or any information pertaining to the investigation.
Anyone that has information is asked to contact Det. Sgt. Jamie Nestor at 519-969-5210 ext. 2531. Anonymous tips can be given to Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or online at www.catchcrooks.com.
