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Sketch released of mystery woman in abduction case
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CTV.ca News Staff
Date: Wed. Apr. 22 2009 12:56 AM ET
Police have released a composite sketch of the mystery woman believed to be involved in the abduction of Woodstock, Ont. girl Victoria Stafford.
"I am appealing to the community to review this composite image and if anyone has any information relating to this person to please call us," Oxford Community Police Chief Ron Fraser said in a news release issued late Tuesday.
Police describe the woman in the sketch as being between 19 and 25 years old, at least 5'1" tall and weighing about 125 pounds. She is believed to wear her long dark hair in a ponytail.
Ontario Provincial Police Det. William Renton has called a news conference for 10 a.m. on Wednesday in Woodstock.
"We continue to believe that there are people in the area who have knowledge of this crime," he said in a statement. "We are urging these people to immediately come forward to help us in this investigation."
Police also say that the U.S. television show "America's Most Wanted" will be broadcasting a segment about the Stafford case on Saturday.
Earlier Tuesday, the girl's mother issued another appeal for whoever was holding her daughter to release Tori.
Victoria Stafford's mother said Tuesday she hopes that "guilt just eats" at whoever has her daughter and is appealing to that person to release the child.
"I'm hoping that guilt just eats them. I hope that they see the pain and the agony that they care causing my family... I hope that they feel guilty and they just let her go," Tara McDonald told reporters.
"Go away, drop her off in a remote place and go so you don't get in any trouble. I think that's awful to say as a Mom myself because what if they do it again? But if that's what gets my daughter back and they figure out later on who it was from my daughter, then fine."
Surveillance video taken on the afternoon of April 8 showed Tori, walking away from her school with a woman in a puffy white coat.
McDonald said she has watched the entire video, which ends with her daughter walking in front of a local nursing home.
She said the video does not show where Victoria goes from there.
McDonald said police have told her that they have little to go on to help them with their investigation, which she hopes will soon extend beyond Woodstock.
"We have that video and that's the problem. There's not much more to go on than that. They can't create leads," McDonald said. "They're going on what they have and that's all they can do. I can't expect more than that from them."
McDonald said a man who also appears in the video was a parent waiting for his son, who is seen walking into the frame.
She said police have interviewed her friends, past acquaintances and people she hardly knows.
Wearing protective gear, the Ontario Provincial Police officers combed the local dump Tuesday, in the second day of their search through the town's garbage.
Using an excavator, they moved 17 tons of garbage in the search for evidence.
"They're not looking for her, per se, they're looking for clues to find her," McDonald told reporters.
But after almost two weeks since the third grader went missing, Victoria's grandfather said it's getting more difficult to stay positive.
"Everybody's heart begins to pound because we don't know if it's going to be a good or bad call," said Jim McDonald.
On Monday, the family announced that a tribute to their daughter is scheduled for May 2. It will kick off with a motorcycle ride, followed by a barbecue and small concert.
Funds raised at the event will go toward supporting the family as they continue to search for the girl.
McDonald said Tuesday that a bank account is being set up at a local TD-Canada Trust branch.
With a report from CTV Toronto's Austin Delaney in Woodstock, Ont.
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I fail to see just what a minister could learn by an on site visit that he couldn't get from people who are actual experts in the various fields of work involved. It is doubtful that he is any sort of nuclear engineer or expert in construction. Just another photo op...
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Comments are now closed for this story
Jessica-Barrie ON
said
Phil Fox, Kingston
said
It is a grave injustice when a child goes missing, regardless of the reason. My prayers go out to Tori and her family.
Joan Sayer Gananoque Ontario
said
DON
said
Sue from Woodstock
said
MAL
said
We know nothing of this case yet many keep slamming the Woodstock police. I suspect there are issues that relate to this case that may be rumored or may not but all they can do is have half the searchers go looking in ponds and forests and the other half hit the door to door.
Sarah in Langley
said
AMBER ALERT!
What in Gods's name went wrong?
D Forbes
said
Sarah
said
Kanata Mom
said
This search needs to go nation-wide.
Everyone needs to help.
Wise Wajid
said
TD
said
Also what happened to the police investigating the mothers white coat, and the women in the video.
Something is Fishy.
I think shes been sold.
On the other hand, I really hope that the child is safe, where ever she is.
Lorne
said
The police are doing their job - people should realize that the police are not going to release a bunch of information which might be vital to the investigation.
They are doing their job to the best of their ability and in all likelihood have other expertise involved in the case.
Don Irwin
said
I am praying for this poor little girl and her family for her safe return, and I agree that all children no matter what should have a code word if someone other than the parents are to pick them up.
Glenn C CRANBROOK BC
said
David
said
Deborah
said
If this was my daughter I would be n my house not able to move. The media are keeping on top of it with nightly reports. Maybe it's just!!!
I agree with a previous person when they said that the police know more than they are telling us... if they are close to finding this person do you honestly think they are going to let the media blab it all over the news in case this person runs with Tori!!!
JC
said
Strangers would not get that cooperation, friends and family on the other hand might.
This incident sickens me, I pray she is alive in good health.
Laly
said
Markus Cornwall Ontario
said
Leslie
said
If this has not been done so already, I would break all barriers and interview the children and their parents of the school Tori attends. This may take a while, but a child's life is worth it.
T in Toronto
said
Anne
said
SP in Brampton
said
COREY
said
motheroftwo
said
I was wondering if this person has come forward identifing themselves as this person and weather or not they remember anything?
Lynn in Hamilton
said
Knowledge is power
I have told my daughter that I don't care if it is one of my friends that she knows that is there to pick her up, if she was not made aware prior to school, this person will know a code word to tell her. No code, no go.
I hope that Tory is found safe and sound and hopefully the family can become an advocate for stranger danger or other programs as such.It is never to young to start educating our children about the real world.... it can be a very nice loving place but it can also be a very dark scary place as well and we all need to be prepared.
Jenna
said
DW in Vancouver
said