1 Year Later, Susan Spiller's Murder Remains Unsolved

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It's been a year since a 68-year-old mother and grandmother was found dead inside her North Minneapolis home, the victim of a homicide.

Susan Spiller was a well-known artist and community activist. On July 16, 2015, police were called to her home on the 5100 block of Dupont Avenue for a welfare check.

They found Spiller's body, along with signs of forced entry.

"We were totally shocked. I was totally shocked. I couldn't believe that something so horrible could happen to such a nice person," said Duane Atter, who was friends with Spiller for 14 years. "She was insanely talented. She could do most anything she put her mind to."

Most of that talent went into her glass work. At The Warren, an artist habitat in North Minneapolis, Spiller helped create a classroom to share her skills.

"She had a unique style. She used a lot of colors. She was very expressive," artist Connie Beckers said.

Beckers remembers getting the news about Spiller's death. She knows that the crime has been called violent. And with the case no closer to being solved, she's still worried that the killer is somewhere close.

"As another single woman in the neighborhood, that's been one of the most frightening parts. Who did it and why? Are the rest of us at risk? Nobody really knows anything," Beckers said.

Police said they've interviewed numerous people, have canvassed the neighborhood, and examined evidence with the assistance of the BCA. But a year later, the person responsible for killing Spiller has not been brought to justice and leads have dried up. They're now hoping new conversations bring about a new perspective on the case.

"I know life is hard here in North Minneapolis, but please, if anyone knows anything let's try to make North Minneapolis a better place by getting this person off the street," Atter said.

Police are asking anyone with information to please come forward. You could be eligible for a reward through Crimestoppers; call 651-452-7463 if you want to remain anonymous.