Still no arrests in 2005 shooting death of April Dobson in Barrie

It's been 19 years since April Dobson was shot and killed while sitting on a porch with two friends at a home on Browning Trail in Barrie.

According to police, Dobson had just finished work and went to a coworker's house. It was the first time she had ever gone to that residence.

"It was April's kindness that drew her to that location on that fateful night," police said, noting Dobson had gone to help a friend work on her car.

The 40-year-old Barrie woman was having a glass of wine and some Thanksgiving leftovers on Oct. 14, 2005, shortly after midnight, when she suddenly collapsed.

She died at the scene of a single gunshot wound to the back of her head.

April Dobson died after being shot on Oct. 14, 2005, at an address in Barrie, Ont. (Source: Barrie Police Services)

Police say a witness spotted a young man running from the area in Letitia Heights moments after the shooting. They say he was seen getting on a mountain bike and riding away.

He has never been identified.

"The person on the bike may have been directly involved in the shooting but also may simply be a significant witness," police said in a 2017 video about the Dobson case.

Police say they have considered several theories.

"April's death may have been accidental, resulting from a non-intentional firearm discharge," the police video continued.

In 2013, the Barrie Police Service launched a $50,000 reward for information on the fatal shooting. Still, no arrests have been made, and police say no clear motive has ever been established.

Police say they are confident someone has information that could help bring Dobson's family resolution.

Anyone with information on the murder of April Dobson is urged to contact the authorities or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 to remain anonymous.