Guelph, Ontario – December 12, 1996 – It was supposed to be a quiet evening at home for 42-year-old Wayne Greavette, a husband, father, and entrepreneur from rural Guelph. But what arrived at his door that night would destroy everything. Inside a neatly wrapped parcel—delivered by Canada Post—was a homemade bomb disguised as a Christmas gift. When Wayne pressed the button on the flashlight inside, it detonated, killing him instantly. Nearly three decades later, the question still remains: who killed Wayne Greavette, and why?
What Happened
On that frigid December evening, Wayne Greavette was relaxing in his living room with his wife, Diane, their 21-year-old son Justin, and his brother. It was the kind of night families everywhere were preparing for the holidays—except for the strange parcel that had arrived earlier in the mail.
The white-wrapped box looked innocent enough—like a Christmas present. Inside was a flashlight and a typed letter, neatly folded and addressed to Wayne. The letter outlined what seemed to be a business opportunity, referencing Wayne’s recent plans to start a spring water bottling business on his new rural property near Concession 11, between the 15th and 17th sideroads.
At the bottom of the letter, one line stood out:
“Have a Merry Christmas and may you never have to buy another flashlight.”
Moments later, Wayne pressed the flashlight’s switch. It exploded in his hands.
The blast, packed with nails and a powerful emulsion-type explosive, killed Wayne instantly and left his family traumatized. His wife and son witnessed the horrific scene; his daughter Danielle was not home at the time. The quiet farmhouse was suddenly the center of one of Ontario’s most shocking murder investigations.
Who Was Wayne Greavette?
Wayne Greavette was a 42-year-old entrepreneur, husband, and father of two. Friends described him as hardworking, ambitious, and family-oriented. He had spent years in the beverage and packaging industry, and in 1996, he and Diane had purchased rural land near Guelph with dreams of launching a bottled spring water business.
His vision was simple: to build something lasting for his family. But just as those plans were taking shape, someone decided to end his life in a calculated, devastating way.
Police quickly determined that Wayne’s murder was targeted. The device was sophisticated, the materials carefully chosen, and the delivery method precise. Whoever sent the bomb had intimate knowledge of Wayne’s business interests—and possibly, his personal relationships.
The Investigation
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) launched a major investigation, working with RCMP and Canada Post inspectors. Early clues suggested the package had been mailed from Acton, Ontario, using a fake return address. The wrapping paper contained local flyers, including one from a Milton-area hardware store, indicating the sender was familiar with the region.
In the weeks before the murder, two unidentified men were reportedly seen at the Acton post office asking for Wayne’s address. Investigators never identified them, but the detail has remained central to the case.
The OPP explored numerous theories:
- Professional rivalry – Wayne’s ventures in the beverage and bottling industry may have angered competitors or business partners.
- Personal conflict – Friends and family noted tensions in Wayne’s personal life that could have made him a target.
- Revenge or jealousy – The precision of the attack suggested it was planned by someone who knew him well.
Despite hundreds of interviews, forensic analysis, and public appeals, no one has ever been charged.
Family’s Fight for Justice
For Wayne’s family, the pain has never faded. His widow Diane, son Justin, and daughter Danielle have spent nearly 30 years searching for answers, appearing in documentaries and investigative programs including CBC’s “The Fifth Estate”.
“Someone out there knows who did this,” said Danielle. “We just want justice for our dad.”
The family has long believed that Wayne’s murder was personal, not random. Over the years, they have assisted police in reviewing new leads and pushed to keep his case in the public eye.
The Ontario government continues to offer a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the murder of Wayne Greavette.
Public and Media Interest
The Greavette case has drawn widespread attention from true crime investigators, journalists, and podcasters across Canada. It is often compared to the 1984 “Air India bombing” and other mail-based explosions because of its rare method and precision.
On online forums and social media, people still discuss the chilling wording of the letter and the eerie Christmas timing. Many believe that Wayne’s murder could only have been carried out by someone who harbored deep resentment—and access to industrial-grade explosives.
In 2021, the OPP released an updated appeal, confirming that the case remains active and investigators are still following new information as it comes in.
Official Appeal and How to Help
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are urging anyone with information about the murder of Wayne Greavette to come forward, no matter how small the detail.
- OPP Tip Line: 1-888-310-1122
- Crime Stoppers (anonymous): 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
- You can also submit tips online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
Wayne Greavette’s murder is one of Ontario’s longest-standing unsolved crimes — a carefully planned act of terror disguised as a Christmas gift. His family still hopes that someone, somewhere, will come forward with the truth that’s been buried for nearly 30 years.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
