Angela Abrams has worked 20 years with the Hamilton Police Service, five in the homicide unit — starting roughly around the time of Audrey Gleave's murder.
She knows that the critical period in an investigation is the early hours and days when witnesses are more likely to speak openly and evidence is fresh.
As months and years go by people move on, are less inclined to come forward with information.
Her partner on the case, Det. Joe Stewart, chooses his words cautiously but says the murder remains something of a riddle. They have theories, he says, but have to remain objective and not have tunnel vision on one suspect.
The bar they must meet, proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, is a high one, he says.
"There are people of interest who deserve further investigation."
What do they need to break the case?
"People may know things," he says.
Abrams is only a shade more direct.
"Everyone we have talked to has been co-operative but there's a difference between being co-operative and telling the truth," she says.