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Late on Tuesday, April 21, 2009, police in the Tori Stafford abduction investigation released this composite sketch of the woman who may be linked to to the abduction of eight-year-old Tori Stafford in Woodstock, Ont. on April 8, 2009. Victoria Stafford's mother, Tara McDonald, speaks to reporters in Woodstock, Ont., on Tuesday, April 21, 2009. (Dave Chidley / THE CANADIAN PRESS) Victoria Stafford's mother, Tara McDonald, speaks to reporters in Woodstock, Ont., on Tuesday, April 21, 2009. (Dave Chidley / THE CANADIAN PRESS) Ontario Provincial Police officers search the Oxford County landfill site Tuesday, April 21, 2009, for any clues in the abduction of Victoria Stafford. (Dave Chidley / THE CANADIAN PRESS) Victoria Stafford, 8, is shown in a family handout photo from July 2008. (Dave Chidley / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Sketch released of mystery woman in abduction case

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CTV News at 11:30 p.m. for April 21
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CTV Toronto: Austin Delaney on a mother's plea
As police continue an intensive search for 8-year-old Woodstock girl Tori Stafford, her mother hopes whoever took her is wracked with guilt. Austin Delaney reports.
CTV Newsnet: Tara McDonald speaks to the media
Victoria's mother Tara McDonald speaks reporters at the news conference Tuesday afternoon, saying she wants the person who took Tori to return her..
CTV Toronto: Austin Delaney speaks with Victoria's grandfather (noon)
It's day 13 in the search for Tori Stafford and police are now looking outside of Woodstock. Austin Delaney is in small-town Ontario and speaks with the missing girl's grandfather.

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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.

Comments are now closed for this story

Jessica-Barrie ON
said

I believe the fundraisers and carwashes etc are mostly to keep Tori in the forefront of everyones mind and not let us forget that she is in fact still missing. I'm not sure what the money will actually be used for, but I figure it should be donated to a charity such as the hospital for sick children or something similar. The funds however could also assist the remaining family members since I'm sure mom is sick with grief and worry and likely not attending work etc. I can completely see why events are being held in honour of this child, its to remind the public that she is still missing and to keep our eyes open for her.


Phil Fox, Kingston
said

As many may know, the police, for investigative purposes will say only what needs to be said in order to preserve the upper hand in their investigation. The information released in the early hours of the investigation is designed carefully.

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

I watched this video many times and this little girl seemed to be either told something by this women for her to go so willing. Have the police checked out all volunters that have worked at the school in the past?I would be following all leads even the ones from the pychics if it was my daughter.I pray everyday they find her safe.


DON
said

David i think your right why all the fund risers.going to work would keep their mind at ease .nothing they can do now but wait.


Sue from Woodstock
said

I agree whole-heartedly with David-just what is all this money going towards? My family and I have reached the same conclusions-why is all this money necessary? To hire a private investigator? No-the money from the recent BBQ and car wash is to pay for counselling for Tori and her brother when she returns. Well, what if she doesn't return? What then? And, anyway, aren't there agencies where this would be free? And this upcoming concert??? If this was my child I would hardly be able to get out of bed in the morning sick with worry let alone attend or plan a "fund-raising" concert. Am I completely cynical or is this weird to anyone else?


MAL
said

The police are under no requirement legally or morally to release ANY information to the public unless there is a safety issue to other persons. Of course this was treated as an abduction by Woodstock from the first step, it was also treated as a lost child. Equally. An adult would head for a steeple, barn or other tall building to call for help, a child will often wander the wrong way thinking they recognize it and now the OPP has joined this combined missing child/abduction search, meaning more resource and more manpower but still a missing child for whatever reason is the situation.

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

Two words.
AMBER ALERT!
What in Gods's name went wrong?


D Forbes
said

People act very oddly under stressful situations, so I hope that is why the mannerisms and statements of Victoria's mother are so outside of the expected.


Sarah
said

What annoys me about the investigation is that fact that because the little girl is seen walking away complacently on a video, the police declared this a missing person's case. Had there not been 7 seconds of video, how long do you think it would have taken the police to call it an abduction when an 8 year old failed to return home from school? The video "evidence" might actually have caused more harm than good in this case.


Kanata Mom
said

Someone needs to talk to Ed Smart (Elizabeth smart's Dad -- Utah girl kidnapped and taken from her home, a few years ago). Ed was praised by law-enforcement because he did everything he could to keep the story in the headlines and keep her picture in the public eye. A waitress at a diner spotted Elizabeth & alerted police.

This search needs to go nation-wide.

Everyone needs to help.



Wise Wajid
said

Tara & Tori, you're in my prayers. Psalm 55:22


TD
said

I`m with you "David"
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

I pray that your daughter is found safe and sound.
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

Lets not jump all over the woodstock police, they are probably parents to and are just as frustrated as all of us, but they have guide lines and rules that they have to follow, they can't just do as they please,this is a very disturbing event that tugs at the heart strings of all "NORMAL" humans, yes it should have been made a child abduction right at the start but the video clearly shows the child walking willingly with this animal and that speaks volumes about what was happening at the time.
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

I think that everyone is in agreement about the time lapse, there's no doubt about that fact. But, now we have to try and get this little girl home somehow and focus on that. I would appeal to anyone in the area if you can help, help! To the person(s) who have Tori, now is the time to set the record straight and do the right thing, bring her home!


David
said

Anyone else think its weird the parents keep holding fund raising events for themselves? For May 2? Wouldn't they hope she was home before then? What do they need this money for?


Deborah
said

How is Tori's mom able to have a press conferences everyday and not be breaking down every minute.

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

I am concerned that Victoria appears to have walked away without a visable struggle.

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

Why on earth did it take so long to have this labeled as an abduction? The first 24-48 hours are the most important! As a mother of 4, my heart goes out to this poor child and her family and wish for her safe return. It's such a horrible thing to be so helpless.


Markus Cornwall Ontario
said

I really wish the police would reveal more, its obvious they are sitting on some key information.


Leslie
said

Please continue to show the video nightly on the news. Keep it top-of-mind. I am shocked that no one can identify the woman in the video. And the father waiting for his child? Surely he must have seen the two walking.
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

The Woodstock police force should be held accountable in some way. This is a child... and Amber alert should have been issued immediately! No child should be classified as a "missing person". These are children. They do not choose to be taken away from their family. My heart goes out to her and her family. I can't imagine ever being without my child. God speed!


Anne
said

DW in Vancouver: In all likelihood there is a lot more going on than is being released to the media. I don't believe the police just sat on thier hands and let the criminals get away. Watching cop dramas on television does not make one an expert. In most investigations there is often information that is not released.



SP in Brampton
said

The little girl must be going through the same as her family. I am sure that God is there and will bring her home. Its a request to the abductor just let her go to her parents and you will be relieved from the sin.


COREY
said

I HOPE YOU FIND YOUR DAUGHHTER


motheroftwo
said

AS a parent that picks her child up at school, I have to admit that unless a child is kicking and screaming are we really going to pick up anything strange by a child walking by with an adult that seems to be ok. If that person had anything on their mind at all they may have not noticed anything amiss.
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

I can't stress enough to educate your kids about strangers!!

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

I'm praying for Tori's safe return, I think about this little girl all the time and can't even imagine what her devastated family is going through. This is unthinkable. Hopefully someone will come forward with some news leading to Tori.


DW in Vancouver
said

But why did it take so long for the police to say it was an abduction and no longer a missing child. Is it not the first 24 hours that is the most important, and yet the police just sat on their hands as these criminals got away.



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