'We want to give her her name back': OPP plea for information in death of young girl found in the Grand River
Ontario provincial police are asking for the public’s help, as they continue to investigate the death of a young girl whose body was found in the Grand River in Dunnville.
“It’s going to take the community to identify this little girl,” Detective Inspector Shawn Glassford told CTV Kitchener on Monday.
“We need people that were aware of a little girl who’s suddenly not accounted for. It could be family members, it could be relatives of some sort, neighbours, maybe a landlord — anybody,” he said. “Anybody that hasn’t seen a little girl for a while, please call.”
On Friday, OPP released new information from a post-mortem physical examination.
They believe the girl was between the ages of 10-and-a-half months to two-and-a-half-years old at the time of her death.
Her body was found by people fishing in the Grand River on May 17. Emergency responders arrived around 1:22 p.m.
Glassford said they hope to have pathology results from the autopsy “as soon as possible.”
He’s also hopeful those results will tell them how long the girl’s body had been in the water, and when she could have died.
A cause of death has not yet been determined.
Investigators have been working through the long weekend, and Glassford said they are following up on every tip they get.
“We have a very good, dedicated, professional group of investigators, most of them parents themselves -- as I am,” he said. “And as difficult it is, we’re motivated to find out what happened to this little girl. We want to give her her name back.”
Police are not limiting the investigation to the Dunnville area.
“There’s nothing saying this little girl is from the area,” said Glassford. “We’ve searched the shores of the Grand River all the way up to the Caledonia area. That’s a long stretch of river.”
He said they have also followed up on tips from as far away as the United States.
"I just really feel bad for the little girl," one resident said. "Whatever happened to her, I wish they would come clean if it happened that way. A little girl like that is too young to leave this world."
On Monday, the community of Dunnville held a candlelight vigil for the girl.
"I just pray that someone will come forward and claim her," another resident said. "Hopefully they'll find out who she is, maybe this will bring it to light to all those around."
Authorities have set up a special tip line for any information someone feels might be relevant to the investigation.
“Just call the tip line if you happen to have any information. Even if it’s a little bit of information and you don’t feel it’s worthy of calling in - let us decide that. Call it in,” said Glassford.
Residents are asked to call 1-844-677-9403, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Celebrations, protests take place on Canada Day in Ottawa
Thousands of people wearing red and white and waiving Canadian flags packed downtown Ottawa to celebrate Canada's 155th birthday on Friday, while groups of protesters popped up around Parliament Hill to protest COVID-19 vaccines and federal restrictions.
'It's recent': Survivor reflects on last Sask. residential school closing 25 years ago
It's been 25 years since Saskatchewan's last residential school closed, but some are still healing.
Biden intends to nominate a conservative, anti-abortion lawyer to federal judgeship, Kentucky Democrats say
U.S. President Joe Biden intends to nominate an anti-abortion Republican lawyer to a federal judgeship, two Kentucky Democrats informed of the decision say.
'Summer of recovery': Pandemic-stricken tourism industry sees signs of optimism
Canada Day has kicked off the unofficial start of summer, and the tourism sector is hopeful the first season in three years largely free of COVID-19 restrictions will marshal a much-needed boost for a pandemic-stricken industry.
'You do not want this' virus: California man with monkeypox urges others to get vaccinated
A California man has posted a widely-shared video in an attempt to educate people about the monkeypox virus outbreak, to encourage people to get vaccinated if they're eligible and to make it very clear: 'You do not want this.'
West Vancouver retiree heading back to Ukraine to help abandoned animals
When Dan Fine returned from his first trip volunteering at animal shelters on the Polish-Ukrainian border in late April, he immediately felt compelled to return to continue helping pets that have been left behind in the war.
'We have to build bridges': Canadian singer Chantal Kreviazuk on Ukraine, reconciliation
Moving toward reconciliation doesn't come from jumping 'the queue to perfection,' but by building bridges and trusting one another, Canadian singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk told CTV News Channel during Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa on Friday.
The Canadian flag in the context of 'Freedom Convoy' and residential schools
In the wake of last year’s discoveries of unmarked graves at residential schools and the prominent displays of the Canadian flag during 'Freedom Convoy' protests, some Canadians are re-evaluating the meaning of the national symbol.
'Not going to happen in our lifetime': First-time homebuyers share their struggles with purchasing a home
A recent survey shows nearly 50 per cent of Canadians who rent expect to do so forever. As rising interest and inflation rates contribute to a sense of pessimism among first-time homebuyers in Canada, some are sharing their struggles with purchasing their first house.
London
-
'Walk of Gratitude': 100-year-old veteran in London, Ont. completes 100 mile walk for homeless vets
With his wife Joyce on his arm, Tom Hennessy left Victoria Park in London, Ont. to complete his 100-mile walk to raise money for homeless veterans.
-
Special Olympics athletes celebrate Canada Day with torch run
After a two-year break due to COVID-19, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics was back Friday in London.
-
'We're here to honour survivors:' Turtle Island Healing Walk returns to London, Ont.
Close to 1,000 people are at Victoria Park in London, Ont Friday morning for the second annual Turtle Island Healing Walk.
Windsor
-
Ontario's six-month gas tax cut starts today. Here's what you need to know
Ontario drivers experienced some relief from record-setting prices at the pump on Friday as the province's gas tax cut came into effect.
-
'Walk of Gratitude': 100-year-old veteran in London, Ont. completes 100 mile walk for homeless vets
With his wife Joyce on his arm, Tom Hennessy left Victoria Park in London, Ont. to complete his 100-mile walk to raise money for homeless veterans.
-
CK police say rock thrower arrested at local bar
In the past 24 hours, the Chatham-Kent Police Service responded to 199 calls for service, arresting six people as a result.
Barrie
-
Barrie residents pack Dunlop Street for Canada Day celebrations
Thousands packed downtown streets Friday for the first Canada Day celebration in two years, not restricted by pandemic measures.
-
Missing man found dead in river near Gravenhurst
Police in Gravenhurst say a man has died after being reported missing.
-
Two people in hospital following early morning assault in Wasaga Beach
Two people have been hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries following an early morning assault in Wasaga Beach.
Northern Ontario
-
Canada Day celebrations at the Roberta Bondar Tent Pavilion
People in the Sault once again gathered at the Roberta Bondar Tent Pavilion on the waterfront for some Canada Day fun.
-
Culture and shared diversity celebrated in Sudbury
Science North and the Sudbury Multicultural and Folk Arts Association held an event showcasing many cultures, traditions and tastes that make up their diverse city.
-
Hundreds of people show up for Canada Day party in Timmins
Hundreds of people lined up for free hot dogs and for fun in the suds in Hollinger Park in Timmins on Canada Day. The event was hosted by the City of Timmins and the Timmins Community Park Association.
Ottawa
-
NEW THIS MORNING
NEW THIS MORNING | What you need to know about the vehicle control zone in downtown Ottawa today
Ottawa police say residents and visitors will continue to see an enhanced police presence in downtown Ottawa today, as the cleanup begins from Canada's 155th birthday party.
-
Celebrations, protests take place on Canada Day in Ottawa
Thousands of people wearing red and white and waiving Canadian flags packed downtown Ottawa to celebrate Canada's 155th birthday on Friday, while groups of protesters popped up around Parliament Hill to protest COVID-19 vaccines and federal restrictions.
-
NEW THIS MORNING
NEW THIS MORNING | Ottawa celebrates the historic Aberdeen Pavilion
The city of Ottawa is celebrating the Aberdeen Pavilion today, 30 years after Council resolved to restore the historic building at Lansdowne.
Toronto
-
Downtown Toronto collision leaves one person dead, seven others injured
One person is dead, and seven others have been injured in a collision in downtown Toronto, police say.
-
Ontario's six-month gas tax cut starts today. Here's what you need to know
Ontario drivers experienced some relief from record-setting prices at the pump on Friday as the province's gas tax cut came into effect.
-
Canada Day fireworks cancelled at Toronto park after vendor pulls out last minute
One of Toronto’s Canada Day fireworks displays has been cancelled and another has been postponed after a vendor pulled out at the last minute.
Montreal
-
Quebec could see increase in unhoused people as leases expire across province: housing group
A prominent housing advocacy group fears Quebec could see an increase in households left without a permanent place to live as leases expire across the province on July 1.
-
Quebec man dies in highway collision, three others brought to hospital
A motorist died after suffering serious injuries in a collision early Friday evening in Quebec’s Montérégie region.
-
Indigenous groups want more spots for residential school survivors during pope's visit
A group of Indigenous people in Quebec expressed disappointment and concern Friday after learning that only 400 seats will be reserved for residential school survivors at the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré during Pope Francis' visit on July 28.
Atlantic
-
Spouse of gunman to testify at N.S. shooting hearings but won't be cross-examined
The spouse of the gunman in the Nova Scotia mass shooting will testify mid-July before a public inquiry, but she won't face direct questions from lawyers representing victims' families.
-
'It’s a waste of time': Low turnout for the final day of school in Nova Scotia
As Claire Mahaney-Lion dropped her son off at school this morning, she questioned the reasons behind scheduling a school day that would last fewer than two hours.
-
Saint John celebrates Memorial Cup win with parade Thursday
Saint John is having its dog day. The host city of the 2022 Memorial Cup is celebrating after the Saint John Sea Dogs bested the Hamilton Bulldogs 6-3 in front of a capacity crowd during Wednesday's championship game at TD Station.
Winnipeg
-
'Changing the course of history': How Winnipeggers celebrated Canada Day
In-person Canada Day festivities made a return on Friday for the first time since the pandemic started, with residents bringing back old traditions and creating new ones.
-
'Abortion is health care': Pro-choice group rallies in support of a woman's right to choose
A pro-choice rally was held at the Manitoba Legislative Building on Friday -- a week after Roe v. Wade was reversed by the United States Supreme Court.
-
Body found in Assiniboine River: RCMP
Officers with the Manitoba RCMP have confirmed that a body was found in the Assiniboine River on Thursday.
Calgary
-
Thousands of Calgarians gather for restriction-free Canada Day festivities with focus on reconciliation
Friday marked the first Canada Day in two years without any public health restrictions, which meant Calgarians were finally able to gather at several in-person events across the city.
-
Monument unveiled at a southeast Calgary park to honour Vietnamese boat people
Members of Calgary’s Vietnamese community gathered Friday at The Journey to Freedom Park to celebrate the unveiling of a meaningful monument.
-
Longtime Calgary Flames organist Willy Joosen passes away
The Flames lost their longtime organist Friday, when Willy Joosen died.
Edmonton
-
Edmontonians mark Canada Day by celebrating and reflecting
From drumming circles, charity runs, to a healing walk, Edmontonians found a way to celebrate their country or reflect on its past in a manner that felt right to them.
-
Edmonton's Canada Day fireworks back in full force
An explosive comeback will light up the Edmonton sky Friday night as Canada Day fireworks return to pre-pandemic proportions.
-
Elks down Tiger-Cats 29-25 for first win of CFL season
Jalen Collins recovered a fumble and scored on a 14-yard return in the fourth quarter to give the Edmonton Elks their first win of the season with a 29-25 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday.
Vancouver
-
How Afghan-Canadians in B.C. are finding strength and unity through the power of music
It's been almost a year since Kabul's fall and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Among the many aspects of Afghan society threatened by the Taliban is the country's rich musical culture.
-
Former high-ranking Mountie facing discipline over letter to Arlene Westervelt's sister
A former B.C. Mountie is facing discipline for communicating with the sister of a woman found dead in Okanagan Lake.
-
11-hour wait, 3-hour parking limit: Man ticketed while stuck in B.C. passport line
Marc Diaz is warning others after he spent 11 hours waiting at the Surrey, B.C., passport office this week, only to return to his car and find an $80 ticket – because the adjoining parking lot has a three-hour limit.