Common thread in two missing women cases raises questions
It’s one step forward and two steps back for those close to the cases of two London women who disappeared years apart in what were once believed to be separate cases.
“Now it seems like one step backwards when you find out that somebody with some information has now died and we don’t have that information any more,” said Jennifer Dunn, the executive director of the London Abused Women’s Centre.
On Monday, London police said the cases of Kathryn Bordato, who was last seen in July 2009, and Shelley Desroschers, who was last seen in January 2016, remain open. They also said that during their investigations they found a person who was known to both women.
Police have not formally connected the two cases but officials added, "this individual provided very limited cooperation with investigators and there was evidence to indicate that this person withheld information from police.”
Dunn wonders what might have happened if the public had been made aware of the person much earlier.
"It’s not surprising that these two women could have been known to one individual by any means. But it’s definitely important to listen to that call for police supports that the police were mentioning. And so, even the smallest amount of information could be helpful."
A criminologist at Western University, Michael Arntfield points out that while a person of interest is not a suspect, a common thread in the two women’s cases suggests the possibility of a serial offender.
“By confirming now that there’s a common denominator between both of these cases and they’re now being discussed as a set -- this is a significant step foward in recognizing that you possibly had -- again we don’t know the level of the person’s involvement -- but you possibly have a serial offender.”
Dunn, meanwhile, said she hopes the newly revealed information generates more tips from the public. She also said the revelation is timely, given that November marks the Shine a Light on Woman Abuse campaign.
“You know we don’t know where they are and what has happened to them, and the families need closure.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
World's record-breaking hot temperature streak stretches through April
The world just experienced its hottest April on record, extending an 11-month streak in which every month set a temperature record, the European Union's climate change monitoring service said on Wednesday.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.