Toronto police are appealing to the public for information in a cold case from more than two decades ago, as new evidence surfaces in the young woman’s death.

The body of 21-year-old Lisa Lynn Anstey was found after 9 a.m. on May 12, 1997, face down in a laneway south of Front St. E. and west of Cherry St.

Anstey was found at the rear of 393 Front St. E., which was then a homeless community known as StreetCity, police said in a news release Monday. She had been strangled.

A DNA profile of a man had been developed from the case but was not found in the national database, police said in a news release Monday.

“Forensic phenotyping” was used to help predict appearance traits with evidence taken directly from biological materials found at the scene. Based on that method, the suspect is believed to be a white man, with blue or light-coloured eyes, and blond or red hair, police said.

“We have the killer’s DNA and now we need a name to go with that DNA,” homicide cold case Det.-Sgt. Stacy Gallant said in the press release.

“It has been 22 years and this killer has not been held responsible. It is time that he is held to account for his actions.”

Over 350 interviews were conducted during the investigation into her death.

Antsey worked in the sex trade industry in the area of Wellesley St. E. and Bleecker St during the time of her death.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...