Police hope a silver engraved lighter might lead them closer to the person or persons responsible for the brutal slaying of Fernand Champoux.

The 68-year-old was found beaten to death near his workplace in Mascouche, Que., in April.

Lighter is engraved with the number \
Lighter is engraved with the number "3089."

Police have made no arrests, and they have no leads in the case.

The Sûreté du Québec is now asking for the public's help in tracking down the owner of the lighter.

It has the number 3089 engraved on it, and was found near Champoux's body.

Fernand Champoux, 68, was well known in his community.
Fernand Champoux, 68, was well known in his community.

The lighter is an important clue for investigators, because they were told that Champoux didn't smoke. Police say it could belong to an important witness to the crime.

A $10,000 reward is being offered to anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect. The offer, made by anonymous donors, expires on July 31.

So far, police have received 125 tips from the public thanks to a command post set up next to the scene of the crime over the three days following the murder.

Champoux was a former mailman and car salesman, and was well known in his community. He retired four years ago, and was working in the discount clothing store behind which his body was found.