Police make arrest in Kaake homicide

By Brett Quinn

 

A LaSalle man has been arrested in connection with the death of Cassandra Kaake.

LaSalle resident Matthew Brush, 26, was arrested and charged Tuesday following an interview with Windsor investigators. Brush is charged with break and enter, arson causing property damage, possession of incendiary material for arson, arson with disregard for human life, first-degree murder and indecent interference with a dead body.

Firefighters found the body of Cassandra Kaake, 31, on Dec. 11 after extinguishing a house fire at 1564 Benjamin Ave. in Windsor. Police said the fire didn’t cause her death and that she died from blood loss caused by severe trauma. Police wouldn’t comment on the nature of her injuries, but investigating detectives have said the crime scene was one of the most disturbing things they have seen.

Staff Sgt. Mark Denonville said hundreds of leads from the public and numerous interviews through canvassing led police to Brush. They were given information about vehicles, people and suspicious activity in the area. He would not give any details about what they found.

“I take pride in our community because without them, like in many crimes, we wouldn’t have the success that we do have,” said Denonville  “By no stretch of the imagination is this investigation over, but without their cooperation and without their assistance, we wouldn’t be at the point we are today.”

According to Denonville, officers are still conducting search warrants in relation to the investigation, which could create more charges against the suspect who police believe acted alone.

Windsor Police Chief Al Frederick applauded his team of about 40 officers and the public for their work in the investigation. Police made repeated public pleas for information. They launched several large-scale canvasses of the area around Benjamin Avenue, knocking on more than 800 doors and asking people to fill out questionnaires.

In a rare move, police also asked residents if they were willing to give DNA samples and more than 500 people said yes. Investigators took samples from only  half a dozen people. but police didn’t say what it was that made them focus on that small group.

Despite the willingness of many people to donate DNA, the request caused some controversy and made national headlines.

“We fully appreciate the intrusiveness of taking DNA samples,” Frederick said. “All aspects of the canvas were voluntary.”

He said the technique of asking for DNA is not unique, but the breadth of the investigation and number of volunteers continued to expand.

“As chief, I am proud of the investigative team and our community, who co-operated from the beginning,” Frederick said. “I would like to offer sincere condolences to the family and friends of Cassandra Kaake.”

Police will not comment as to whether or not they believe Brush to be the father of Kaake’s unborn child, but will confirm that he is known to the victim’s family.

Brush will appear in court for a bail hearing  Feb 11. None of the charges have been proven in court.