Suspect in cold case murder of Filipina in Toronto arrested after 26 years
Photos from Toronto Police Service/Facebook
A cold case breakthrough has led to the arrest of Ronald Gordon Ackerman of Newfoundland for the 1998 murder of Filipina Donna Oglive.
On Feb. 7, the Toronto Police announced the arrest of 50-year-old Ackerman, who has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the murder of 24-year-old Oglive.
Oglive had moved from Vancouver to Toronto just five weeks before she was killed.
Ackerman had a layover at Toronto Pearson International Airport when he was taken into custody at midnight on Feb.6 while waiting to board a connecting flight.
The announcement of the arrest was made by Sgt. Steve Smith of the Homicide and Missing Persons Unit Cold Case Section.
A cold case breakthrough after nearly 27 years, thanks to investigators’ relentless pursuit of justice and Investigative Genetic Genealogy. Watch Detective Sergeant Stephen Smith explain how DNA from the suspect’s family member led to his arrest for the 1998 murder of 24-year-old… pic.twitter.com/4T2wtxnF3P
— Toronto Police (@TorontoPolice) February 7, 2025
“For 26 years, investigators have remained committed to seeking justice for Donna and her loved ones. Advances in forensic technology, along with the unwavering dedication of our team and investigative partners, have led us to this arrest,” Smith said in a news release.
Oglive was found dead on March 8, 1998, in a parking lot at 130 Carlton St. A neighbor called the police after discovering her body.
Police officers later confirmed that Oglive was pregnant at the time of her death.
The suspect at that time was living in Scarborough and working as a trucker. He was later employed near Fort McMurray, Alberta, before returning to Newfoundland.
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Forensic breakthroughs led to the arrest
Investigators were able to collect DNA evidence from the crime scene and identify a male suspect. However, years passed and no match was found in the National DNA Data Bank.
In 2022, the department sent forensic evidence to a specialized genetic genealogy lab in Woodland, Texas.
Scientists in that lab created an advanced DNA profile, which was then analyzed in Toronto using forensic genetic genealogy techniques that led the authorities to Ackerman.
Smith, whose unit successfully closed several cold cases through more advanced forensic techniques, emphasized the game-changing effect of the technology.
“As more police services adopt this technology, it’s really a game changer for us,” Smith said in the announcement. “If we have offender DNA, we can solve virtually any case out there,” he added.
The Toronto Police are urging the public with more information to come forward. They can be reached at 416-808-7400 or call anonymously at 416-222-8477.
