Toronto Police believe they have solved a cold case of murder dating back to 1993.
Barbara Brodkin's six-year-old son found her stabbed to death inside of their apartment in the Yonge and Davisville area on Friday, March 19, 1993.
She was 41 years old.
It was only last Thursday that police made an appeal for information in the case.
The very next day an arrest was made. "Charles William Mustard was identified, investigated, and arrested for the murder of Barbara Brodkin. On October 19, now 63 years old, at the time 37 year old, Charles William Mustard was arrested and charged with her murder; first-degree murder," announced Det.-Sgt. Stacy Gallant. "A review of this case was commenced last August. Additional forensic examinations on evidence collected at the time of the offence were ordered and sent to CFS for DNA examinations. The evidence revealed a DNA profile."
Gallant says Brodkin and Mustard were acquaintances. "We are asking persons who knew both Barbara and Charles or Charley to call us if we have not been in contact with you. More specifically, if your name is Dirk or Linda and you knew Barbara and Charley or Charles we are asking that you reach out to us at the Homicide Cold Case Unit at 416-808-7410."
The first cousin of Barbara's, Herb Brodkin, was on-hand for the announcement and thanked police for their persistence. "I was so impressed by the diligence that went into this effort to now bring this matter before our courts."