COLD CASE: "We always hold out hope."

Old cases can be a tough go for homicide cops.

Detectives doggedly work the file behind the scenes and out of the public's view. 

They carry the weight of the grief, pain and frustration of the victim's loved ones.

Cops hope for a lucky break and try to make one. 

The murder of 20-year old Katherine Janeiro is such a case for Barrie police.

"It's a tough case but one that all of us feel very connected to and believe it's solvable," said case manager Det. Rob Gravel.

On October 10,1994 Janeiro was stabbed multiple times in her basement apartment located at 258 Dunlop Street West. 

She left behind a two-and-a-half-year-old daughter.

"This was a young mother viciously attacked in her own apartment with a young child left behind, now grown into a beautiful young lady. That's what motivates our team to find some resolution," Gravel said. 

Last year, police held a news conference to make a stunning announcement.

They said they believe they know who killed Janeiro and that he's in the Simcoe County area.

They revealed they were keeping tabs on two men. 

"We're still aware of two suspects in the case," Gravel told BarrieToday in a recent interview.

Gravel can't discuss specifics, only to repeat the assurance that public safety is not an issue.

The homicide detective says his team is still actively and diligently working on the file.

And he's glad the case has come back to Barrie.

Barrie police began the investigation in 1994 but the case was turned over to the OPP in 1999.

After an extensive investigation that did not lead to any arrests, the OPP turned the case back over to Barrie police in 2012.

Gravel notes there was probably a lot of fear at the time of the murder and hopes that fear has been alleviated with the passage of 21 years.

"We're looking for that little tidbit of information that may be the breaking point in this case."

Modern science continues to play a role and detectives are still submitting exhibits for forensic testing.

But DNA is only one part of the equation.

And as another anniversary passed without an arrest, police are reaching out with yet another plea for tips.  

"We always hold out hope," Gravel said. 

Anyone with information can contact the Barrie Police Service Major Crime Unit (705-725-7025) or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477