Investigation continues in murder of Scarborough dry cleaner

ANDREW PALAMARCHUK

May 13, 2010

Police are still trying to identify the "woman of interest" in the murder of Li-Yuan "Rose" Liu.

"We know that she was at the scene, and identifying her is the key," Det. Scott Whittemore said Thursday, May 13..

"Once we identify her other pieces of the puzzle will fall into place."

Liu, 61, was found dead Monday afternoon in Top 'A' Cleaners at 3430 Finch Ave. E. An autopsy found she died of stab wounds to the neck.

"For 15 years she's owned and operated the cleaners, and everyone in the area spoke highly of her," said Whittemore.

"Everyone who speaks of her says that she's a nice lady. She'd help anybody out in the last minute, so it's fairly important to the community that we find the killer."

Police are looking at robbery as a possible motive. Domestic violence has been ruled out.

Forensic investigators will remain at the murder scene until Sunday. "We're still working on the forensic DNA fibres, and that takes quite a bit of time," Whittemore said.

On Tuesday, police released a security camera image of the person of interest. She is 25 to 35 years old with hair pulled back in a bun or ponytail. She was wearing a long dark overcoat and dark shoes and was carrying a bag. Police believe she lives in the area.

Anyone with information is asked to call the homicide squad at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).