The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Homicide Unit has upgraded charges against Carolyn Prosje, 56, in connection with the death of her sister, Cathy Prosje, whose body was discovered in their shared Smithville home over a year ago.
Carolyn Prosje, initially charged as an accessory after the fact to murder in January 2025, now faces an additional charge of first-degree murder. She remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Cathy Prosje, 62, was found deceased inside the residence on Linden Street near Alma Drive on April 26, 2024, prompting an extensive homicide investigation.
As a result of continued investigation by homicide detectives into the circumstances surrounding this incident, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit began launching a secondary and parallel investigation.
In addition to the charge of first-degree murder, on June 27, 2025, detectives laid additional charges in connection with this case. Joseph Villneff, 43, of Smithville is now facing the following additional charges of possession of child pornography and voyeurism.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009533.
On April 26, 2024, at 12:33pm, 8 District (Grimsby/Lincoln/West Lincoln) uniform officers with the Niagara Regional Police Service were called to a home in the area of Linden Street and Alma Drive in Smithville.
As a result of an investigation, officers located an adult female deceased inside the home.
