Police renew call for tips in killing of Helen Schaller in Cambridge

Waterloo regional police are continuing to appeal to the public for tips in the killing of Helen Schaller.

The 58-year-old grandmother was shot to death in broad daylight in a Preston-area parking lot on April 17.

She was found with serious injuries when police were called to the area of King Street E.near Church Street and Westminster Drive in Preston.She was later pronounced dead in hospital.

Police are looking for a male suspectbetween 20 and 40 years old, with a slim build and a shaved or bald head.

Investigators have also released images of a red Honda Fit that was seen near the area around the time of the shooting.

Chief Bryan Larkin says the investigation is still in the early stages, but police don't believe the shooting was targeted.

"We've received a number of significant pieces of information.We have active investigative leads. We have significant video that our investigators are combing through," Larkin said.

"At this point, we do believe that there's a risk to public safety and that's hence why we're literally working around the clock."

'Get these dangerous criminals off our streets'

Schaller's family has spoken up about drug-related crime in Cambridge since her death.

In a recent Facebook post, her sister Carol Thorman urged the community "to make sure that our police force has the tools and manpower they need to get these dangerous criminals off our streets."

Thorman also called for more serious charges against drug dealers and demanded greater action to solve the ongoing addiction crisis in the community.

"Use your words to let every level of government know that what we demand better solutions, such as more mental health resources, affordable housing, rehabilitation beds and rapid access clinics," she wrote.

On Friday, Larkin spoke with reporters about the recent spate of gun violence in the region, including Schaller's murder.

He would not directly link any of the ongoing cases to drug traffickingbut did acknowledge a connection between the ongoing addiction crisis and crime.

"Our community, our province and our national has a significant addiction issue,and it's time for us to come to terms with that," he said."I can tell you that there's tentacles to crime and public order and public disorder that are clearly linked to addiction, clearly linked to the illicit trafficking of drugs."

Larkin encouraged people to "continue living your lives," despite the fear and outrage in the community.

He also reminded anyone with information about Schaller's killing andthe vehicle seen in the area at the time of her death to call police or Crime Stoppers anonymouslyat1-800-222-8477.