Family Marks 25 Years Since UofT Professor’s Shocking Murder

UPDATE: Nearly 25 years after the brutal murder of University of Toronto fine arts professor David Buller, his family continues to seek answers as the case remains unsolved. Buller was tragically stabbed to death in his office on January 19, 2001, a shocking event that has left a lasting impact on his loved ones and the university community.

In a candid interview with CP24.com, Buller’s niece, Karyn Sandlos, expressed disbelief that the family is still grappling with unanswered questions. “If somebody had said to me at the time, 25 years later, you’re still not going to know exactly what happened to David, I wouldn’t have believed it,” she said.

Buller was discovered in his office shortly before 7 a.m. on that fateful day, having sustained multiple stab wounds. The investigation revealed he was last seen by a student in an elevator the previous afternoon. This grim anniversary has prompted renewed calls for information, as Sandlos believes someone knows crucial details about her uncle’s death.

“It’s always frustrating because I know that someone out there knows what happened to David,” Sandlos stated, urging anyone with information to come forward. Despite multiple interviews conducted by police with students at the time, no suspects have been publicly identified, and the case now rests with the Toronto Police Service’s cold case unit.

Witnesses reported hearing raised voices and a loud thud near Buller’s office during the time of the murder, raising speculation about a possible argument. Sandlos, reflecting on the theories surrounding the case, mentioned skepticism about motives involving disgruntled students or colleagues. “I’m fairly certain it was someone that he knew and trusted,” she asserted.

As the family commemorates this haunting milestone, the emotional toll of Buller’s murder remains palpable. “Losing David left a big hole in my family. And that’s a hole that’s never been filled,” Sandlos said. The impact of his death has rippled through the arts community in Toronto, affecting many who regarded Buller as a significant mentor and inspiration.

Detective Sergeant Steve Smith of the Toronto Police cold case squad emphasizes the importance of public assistance in resolving long-standing investigations. “As soon as you name that offender, 15 different things fall into place,” he noted, reinforcing the urgency of uncovering new leads.

With time slipping away, Sandlos remains hopeful that someone will eventually provide the missing pieces of the puzzle. “No piece of information is insignificant or too irrelevant or too small,” she urges. “Sometimes time clarifies things.”

As the family continues to seek closure, they are reminded of the lasting legacy Buller left behind, inspiring countless students in his role as a professor. “They always talked about David as one of their best professors, someone who took an interest in students,” Sandlos shared, highlighting the profound impact he had on those around him.

This anniversary serves not only as a painful reminder of a life cut short but also as a rallying cry for anyone with information to step forward. The unresolved nature of Buller’s murder continues to haunt those who knew him, with the hope that justice will one day be served.