HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – The Hallandale Police Department held a news conference Wednesday, to release new updates about their investigation into the murder of a Canadian couple.
In January, neighbors found the bodies of Toronto natives David Pichosky, 72, and Rochelle Wise, 66, inside the couple's condominium at the Venetian Park townhouse complex.
During Wednesday's news conference, Hallandale Beach Chief of Police Dwayne Flournoy said that the medical examiner revealed they both died of asphyxiation.
"It's a sad, sad situation that this couple [who] found themselves together later in life had to die this way," he said.
Investigators say the couple had attended a nearby Jewish temple and then went to a nearby Walmart on East Hallandale Beach Boulevard on Jan. 8.
"We in fact see them at Walmart. They don't make an purchases but we see them walking around Walmart," said Flournoy.
They went home after visiting Walmart. On Jan. 9 about 8 a.m., they contacted a relative via Face Time. Surveillance video captured a woman outside the couple's condo that day.
On Jan. 10, they were found dead.
Police said that crime scene evidence shows that more than one person was involved in the murder. But they have not yet been able to establish a motive.
"I am confident that we will solve this case and the culprits will be found," Flournoy said. "Those people that are responsible for this, their freedom is short-lived, because I am confident that we will be able to bring them to justice and hold them accountable."
A $51,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
"It's so sad on so many levels because it's senseless. It was just so the wrong time. She was starting to get a moment to enjoy herself and her life with Donnie. [It's] hard to understand," said Jamie Wise, Rochelle's son. "We're so shocked and sad. It's difficult to even explain, the emotion. You can't believe that this has actually happened. The whole thing is surreal."
"Just think if it was your family or if it was someone that you loved. Just help us get an end to this so everyone can continue and the family can at least have some peace in their lives," said family friend Pearl Gladman. "Why did they pick them? I don't know why them. They weren't flashy. They didn't stand out."