Where is George Sutherland now? ‘Dateline NBC’ exposes Ontario’s murderer convicted for 1983 double homicide
TORONTO, CANADA: George Sutherland, the perpetrator behind the gruesome murders of Erin Gilmour and Susan Tice in 1983, is presently being held at the Toronto South Detention Centre. Despite the passage of nearly four decades, Sutherland's imprisonment serves as a testament to the perseverance of law enforcement in seeking justice for the victims and their families.
The case of Erin Gilmour, a chilling tale that has haunted Toronto for decades, unfolds like a gripping mystery novel, shrouded in darkness and intrigue. In the bustling streets of Toronto in 1983, the lives of two women, Erin Gilmour and Susan Tice, were tragically cut short in separate, but eerily similar, acts of violence. Gilmour, a vibrant young woman with dreams of a promising future, was brutally stabbed, strangled, and sexually assaulted in her Yorkville apartment. The shockwaves of her untimely demise reverberated through the city, leaving a community in fear and mourning. Despite exhaustive efforts by law enforcement, justice remained elusive for nearly four decades, until a breakthrough in DNA technology finally brought the long-awaited closure to a case that had gripped the nation.
Dateline NBC's new episode promises viewers to give more grueling details about the case on April 18, Friday, at 8 pm ET on NBC.
Who is George Sutherland?
George Sutherland is a central figure in a high-profile criminal case involving the murders of two women in Toronto back in 1983. Born and raised in Toronto, Sutherland's background remained largely unremarkable until his arrest in connection with the cold case murders. Sutherland's life took a dramatic turn when he was identified as a suspect in the long-unsolved murders of Erin Gilmour, a 22-year-old aspiring fashion designer, and Susan Tice, a 45-year-old mother of four. Both women were sexually assaulted and fatally stabbed within months of each other in 1983.
Sutherland was not a suspect despite living not very far away from the crime scene. However, advances in DNA technology and the emergence of investigative genetic genealogy eventually led investigators to Sutherland after forty years.
Sutherland's arrest in November 2022 came as a result of DNA evidence linking him to the crime scenes. The breakthrough in the case brought a sense of closure to the victims' families, who had endured years of uncertainty and pain. Throughout the legal proceedings, Sutherland maintained a relatively low profile, with little information available about his personal life or motivations. However, his guilty plea to two counts of second-degree murder in October 2023 shed some light on his involvement in the crimes.
How did George Sutherland avoid investigators for 40 years after double homicide?
George Sutherland managed to evade capture for 40 years after committing a double homicide due to a combination of factors, including initial investigative lapses, limited forensic technology, and the absence of suspect identification. The 1983 investigation into the murders of Erin Gilmour and Susan Tice faced challenges in evidence collection, witness interviews, and suspect identification.
Without modern forensic techniques like DNA analysis, law enforcement struggled to link suspects to the crime scenes. Over time, changing circumstances in Sutherland's life contributed to his ability to avoid detection, while limited resources and competing priorities led to a lack of focus on the cold case. Ultimately, it was through persistent investigative efforts and advancements in forensic science that Sutherland was finally arrested, bringing closure to the decades-long mystery.
When did George Sutherland confess guilty?
George Sutherland confessed guilty to two counts of second-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Erin Gilmour and Susan Tice in October 2023. He made his admission during a court appearance, where he pleaded guilty to the charges against him.
Sutherland's confession came after years of investigation and legal proceedings, marking a significant development in the case.
What sentence was announced to George Sutherland?
George Sutherland, the perpetrator of the brutal murders of Erin Gilmour and Susan Tice, received a significant sentence for his crimes. Superior Court Justice Maureen Forestell presided over the sentencing in a downtown Toronto courtroom. Sutherland was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 21 years, a decision that carries immense weight given the severity of his actions.
During the sentencing, Justice Forestell emphasized the gravity of Sutherland's crimes, stating, "The two murders that Mr. Sutherland committed were profoundly serious." She highlighted the fact that both victims were killed in their own homes, which should have been places of sanctuary. The impact of the violence extended beyond the victims themselves, affecting their families and friends deeply.
Sean McCowan, the brother of Erin Gilmour, expressed his feelings following the sentencing. He acknowledged the weight of the sentence imposed on Sutherland. McCowan's quote reflected a sense of relief and closure for the families involved, indicating that justice has been served after years of uncertainty and pain.
'Dateline NBC' Season 32 airs new episodes every Friday at 8 pm ET on NBC and is available for streaming on Peacock the following day.