Niagara Region homicide suspect faces new charges

Niagara Regional Police say the man charged in the 2024 Smithville homicide now faces multiple child‑exploitation and sexual‑offence counts; he remains in custody and is awaiting trial.

Niagara Regional Police announced additional charges in the investigation linked to the 2024 death of a Smithville woman. The deceased was 62‑year‑old Cathy Prosje, who was found inside a home on April 26, 2024. The man previously charged with first‑degree murder has been charged further with a range of child sexual‑exploitation and sexual‑offence counts and remains in custody awaiting trial. Known details: - Cathy Prosje was found deceased in Smithville on April 26, 2024. - Joseph Villneff was charged with first‑degree murder in October 2024 and later faced charges from an Internet Child Exploitation investigation in June 2025. - Detectives say they found additional child sexual‑abuse and exploitation material, leading to new charges that include counts related to making, accessing and possessing such material and several alleged sexual offences against minors. - Villneff remains in custody and is awaiting trial; police have said there may be other victims and that additional charges could be laid as the investigation continues. Summary: The additional charges expand the legal matters connected to the 2024 death in Smithville. The accused remains in custody and is awaiting trial. Police have reported the possibility of other victims and said further charges may follow as the investigation proceeds.