MINNEAPOLIS - It has been more than one year since a popular artist and neighborhood activist was murdered in her home on the far north side of Minneapolis.
More than a year... and yet the person who killed her is still free.
On Friday the Minneapolis Police Department's homicide unit put out a video reminding people of the Spiller case, asking the public to bring it back into conversation.
Spiller, 68, was a well known artist who worked in fused glass. She was a member of the Lind-Bohanan neighborhood association, and integral in the effort to build and tend a community garden. Spiller's body was found in her home on July 16, 2015 after police were called on a welfare check. They found signs of forced entry to the home, and then discovered Spiller dead.
Her killing rattled neighbors on the 5100 block of Dupont Avenue North, as police say it is a neighborhood they are rarely called to.
"She was a very vibrant person in the community," notes Minneapolis Homicide Detective Darcy Klund.
Klund says Spiller's murder is still a very active investigation, and that a public plea is meant to generate conversation, bring her case to the forefront and perhaps jar some memories that will give police some fresh information to work with.
"We've interviewed numerous people, we've canvased the neighborhood, we've examined evidence with the assistance of the BCA forensically, and we're continuing to work on leads we've developed," said Klund. "We're asking for the public's help to come forward with information as it relates to Susan's death."
Anyone with information on the Susan Spiller murder is asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or text 'tip 747 plus your tip' to 274637. Those providing tips that lead to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a cash reward.
