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
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.