UNSOLVED: The Murder of Barbara Elaine Chapman (1984) - Frankford, ON

Unsolved MurdersOntario1980s
Written By SM
By S.M.
Published July 19, 2020
Published on IG April 10, 2020
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Barbara Elaine CHAPMAN
Murdered January 23, 1984 in Frankford, Ontario
Age: 38 years old
Status: Unsolved Homicide

The Unsolved Murder of Barbara Elaine Chapman

Barbara Chapman was a 38-year-old mother of two young children. Their home was located north of the village of Frankford, a small, rural town on the shores of the Trent River. In the 1971 census, Frankford had a population of 1,862. ⁣
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The morning of January 23, 1984 was like any other. Barbara woke up, prepared breakfast for her children and got them ready to board the school bus. This was the last time either of her children saw their mother alive. ⁣
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After her children had boarded the bus, Barbara spoke to her mother on the phone while doing some chores around the house. Barbara was alone.⁣
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Whatever happened after that phone call remains a mystery. ⁣
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At 4 p.m., Barbara’s 12-year-old daughter returned home from school. Barbara was nowhere to be found. After searching for over an hour, Barbara’s daughter discovered her mother’s body in the garage of their home.⁣
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Barbara’s cause of death has never been revealed, but a forensic examination determined she had been murdered. ⁣
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Thirty six years ago, Barbara Chapman’s life was senselessly stolen, forever changing the lives of two young children in the most horrific way. Somebody knows why. ⁣


The OPP is offering a reward of $50,000 for information on Barbara Chapman’s unsolved murder. If you want to remain anonymous, a $2,000 reward is available. No tip is insignificant. If you think you might know something, say something.

 

Proximity to Russell Williams:

Russell Williams is a Canadian murderer and former colonel in the Canadian Forces, who commanded CFB Trenton - Canada’s largest military Air Force base - located approximately 14 km outside of Frankford.

During a span of four years, Williams broke into 82 homes to steal underwear belonging to women and young girls; these break-ins later escalated to abduction, rape and murder. He was arrested at CFB Trenton on February 8, 2010.

On October 21, 2010, Williams received two life sentences for first-degree murder, two 10-year sentences for other sexual assaults, two 10-year sentences for forcible confinement, and 82 one-year sentences for breaking and entering.

At the time of Barbara Chapman’s murder, Williams was a 21-year-old student at U of T Scarborough. He joined the Air Force in 1987. It is unknown if he was ever investigated for Barbara Chapman’s murder.

Current available information indicates that he has not been named as a suspect, and he has never been charged in her murder.

Maps of Key Locations & Photos:

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Investigating Agency Contact Information:

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The Government of the Province of Ontario is offering a total reward of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder of Barbara Elaine CHAPMAN.

Investigators urge anyone with information regarding the person(s) responsible for the murder of Barbara CHAPMAN to immediately contact the Director of the Ontario Provincial Police Criminal Investigation Services at 1-888-310-1122 or (705) 329-6111, or their nearest police authority.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

SM
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