TORONTO - The disappearance of an Ontario woman was ruled a homicide Tuesday after an autopsy confirmed remains found in a wooded area where those of Sonia Varaschin.
The 42-year-old Orangeville, Ont., woman's blood-stained car was found in an alley Aug. 30. Varaschin was reported missing the same day by her family when she didn't show up for work.
Police also found blood inside and outside her home, and had asked the public to be on the lookout for blood-stained bedding.
Someone walking their dog discovered the remains Sunday morning in Caledon, about 12 kilometres from Orangeville, and contacted Ontario Provincial Police.
Investigators have said the culprit likely left Varaschin's home covered in a significant amount of blood.
"Police investigators believe the person or persons responsible for Sonia's murder used her vehicle to move her body from her residence to the wooded area," police said in a release Tuesday.
"(Police) believe that someone in the community holds the key to solving this homicide."
Police are urging anyone who might have seen her white Toyota Corolla late Aug. 29 or early Aug. 30 to contact investigators.
"We continue to receive tips, I can't speak to the exact number," said Const. Jonathan Beckett.
Police have no suspect, but have said whoever might be behind her disappearance is someone she knew.
A news conference was to be held Wednesday to provide updates in the case.
Days of ground, air and trail searches of the Orangeville area — which is predominantly rural — failed to find traces of Varaschin.
In a statement on Friday, the family made a heartfelt plea for Varaschin's safe return, calling the young woman a "hardworking and caring individual."
A Facebook group dedicated to Varaschin home has thousands of followers offering support to her family.