All Episodes

July 20, 2025 18 mins
38 Years of Silence: The Hunt for Margaret McWilliam’s Killer A Routine Jog. A Brutal Attack. A Mystery That Refuses to Die.

On a warm August evening in 1987, 21-year-old Margaret McWilliam laced up her running shoes and stepped out for a jog in Toronto’s Warden Woods Park. It was a routine she knew well—a moment of peace in her busy life as a student and part-time worker. But that night, she wouldn’t return. Somewhere along the familiar path, a predator was waiting.

Ambushed, dragged into the shadows, and subjected to a vicious assault, Margaret fought for her life. Her body was discovered the next morning, leaving behind a crime scene that would haunt investigators for decades. A distinctive shoe print from a rare Korean-made runner—sold only at Bata Shoe Stores—earned the case its chilling nickname: the “Cinderella Murder.” Yet, despite this clue and a DNA profile extracted years later, her killer remains a ghost.

For 38 years, Margaret’s family has lived with the unbearable weight of unanswered questions. Who was the man seen fleeing the park that night? Why has the DNA evidence led to a dead end? And could new forensic breakthroughs finally unmask the predator who stole a daughter, a friend, and a future?

In this gripping episode of Ontario Cold Cases - Canada's True Crime Podcast, host Jay Nicoll of Nicoll Investigations takes you deep into the heart of Toronto’s most enduring mystery. Uncover the suspects who slipped through the cracks—like the infamous Paul Bernardo and Russell Williams—and explore why they were ruled out. Hear the pleas of Margaret’s mother, Charlotte, whose relentless pursuit of justice echoes through the decades. And learn how cutting-edge genetic genealogy might hold the key to breaking the silence.

This is more than a cold case—it’s a call to action. With every listen, you join the fight to bring Margaret’s killer to justice. Tune in, and help us ensure that no victim is forgotten.

Because every case deserves answers—and every victim deserves justice.

Subscribe now to Ontario Cold Cases: Canada’s True Crime Podcast. Episodes available wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us for updates and more: @OntarioColdCases

Ontario Cold Cases - Wordpress https://nicollinvestigations.wordpress.com/

Ontario Cold Cases - Substack https://substack.com/@ontariocoldcase

For more videos subscribe to: https://www.youtube.com/@OntarioColdCases?sub_confirmation=1

@PlayMorePods

#OntarioColdCases, #NicollInvestigations , #canadiancrime , #ColdCasePodcast , #ontariocrime, #OntarioMysteries , #PodcastMystery , #truecrimepodcast , #unsolvedmysteries, #ontario, #TrueCrimeCanada, #TrueCrimeOntario, #CanadianMysteries, #canada,  #truecrime, #PodcastsOnAmazonMusic, #Murder, #Homicide, #Missing, #ColdCases, #Scarborough , #MargaretMcWilliam 

Mark as Played
Transcript

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
24/7 News: The Latest

24/7 News: The Latest

The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.