'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
No 'warnings or second chances' for illegal activity on Canada Day: Ottawa mayor
Ottawa's mayor is warning the city won't tolerate any illegal activity downtown during Canada Day festivities this year, as the city prepares for possible protests.
Ukrainian officials: At least 2 dead as missile hits Kremenchuk mall
Scores of civilians are feared killed or injured after a Russian rocket strike hit a crowded shopping mall in Ukraine's central city of Kremenchuk, Ukrainian officials said Monday.
Republican calls overturning Roe v. Wade a 'victory for white life'
U.S. Rep. Mary Miller of Illinois, speaking at a rally Saturday night with former U.S. President Donald Trump, called the Supreme Court's decision overturning Roe v. Wade a 'victory for white life.'
'Deepest apologies': Central Alberta rodeo organizers shocked by parade float
Organizers of a central Alberta rodeo and its parade committee are calling for calm after a float in this weekend's parade, which possessed a racist theme, was seen in the procession.
Canada outperformed most G10 countries during first two years of pandemic response: study
Canada handled key aspects of the COVID-19 response better in the first two years of the pandemic than most G10 countries, according to a new study by researchers from the University of Toronto, Unity Health Toronto and St. Michael's hospital.
South Africa tavern deaths: 21 teens likely killed by something they drank, ate or smoked
South African authorities investigating 21 teenagers found dead at an east coast tavern over the weekend said on Monday the youths were probably killed by something they ate, drank or smoked, ruling out the earlier-touted possibility of a stampede.
Ukraine's richest man sues Russia at Europe's top human rights court
Ukraine's richest man filed a lawsuit against Russia at Europe’s top human rights court on Monday, seeking compensation over what he has said are billions of dollars in business losses since Russia's invasion.
New federal task force to review government service delays, reduce wait times
The federal government has created a special task force to help tackle the major delays with immigration applications and passport processing that have left Canadians frustrated.
Cuts to health care, geography limit abortion access in Canada: advocate
Abortion may be legal in Canada but accessing services very much depends on where you live, one advocate says.
London
-
Dog from stolen truck found, reunited with owners
A dog at the centre of a search after the vehicle he was in was stolen, has been found.
-
-
Collision between motorcycle and police cruiser
Non life-threating injuries are reported after a crash between a motorcycle and a police cruiser in Tillsonburg.
Windsor
-
WRH increases number of visitors allowed; drops 'active' COVID screening at entrance
Windsor Regional Hospital is announcing changes to visitor rules and COVID-19 screening.
-
COVID-related 911 calls increased to 1,873 in 2021: Windsor police
Windsor police are releasing the number of 911 calls and tickets handed out related to the COVID-19 response over the past two years.
-
LaSalle emergency services on scene of structure fire
Police and fire crews in LaSalle are on scene of a structure fire.
Barrie
-
Collingwood OPP search for truck involved in pedestrian hit and run
Police in Collingwood are searching for a vehicle involved in a hit and run in the early morning hours on Sunday.
-
Explosion rocks Owen Sound neighbourhood
A firey explosion gutted a home in a south Owen Sound neighbourhood.
-
Seniors stay active with animated games
This year's Seniors' Month theme, "Stay Active, Connected and Safe" has seniors with cognitive impairments exercising by playing video games.
Northern Ontario
-
Fatal collision on Hwy. 17 at McKerrow
Manitoulin OPP continue to investigate a fatal collision Sunday involving two vehicles on Highway 17 at McKerrow, east of Sudbury.
-
New life for the Mindemoya old school
Friends of the Mindemoya old school are celebrating what will soon be the signing of a new lease. After years of work and negotiations, the group has saved the building from being torn down..
-
Canada outperformed most G10 countries during first two years of pandemic response: study
Canada handled key aspects of the COVID-19 response better in the first two years of the pandemic than most G10 countries, according to a new study by researchers from the University of Toronto, Unity Health Toronto and St. Michael's hospital.
Ottawa
-
No 'warnings or second chances' for illegal activity on Canada Day: Ottawa mayor
Ottawa's mayor is warning the city won't tolerate any illegal activity downtown during Canada Day festivities this year, as the city prepares for possible protests.
-
Ottawa high school students petition to remove principal over alleged racism
Students at Hillcrest High School in Ottawa took part in a walkout after some students say they have been victims of racist treatment. Allegations of racism have been swirling at the school for months and now the Ottawa Carleton District School Board is investigating the incidents.
-
NEW THIS MORNING
NEW THIS MORNING | What's open and closed in Ottawa on Canada Day
CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at the closures and schedule changes in Ottawa on Canada Day.
Toronto
-
Toronto rent prices rose 20 per cent over the last year
Toronto rent prices have risen by 20 per cent over the last year and are now approaching where they were prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
-
New tunnel and platform provides unprecedented view of Niagara Falls
A recently opened tunnel is offering visitors a brand new view of Niagara Falls.
-
'Stay on trails:' Giant hogweed found near Evergreen Brickworks
Metrolinx is warning the public after Giant hogweed was recently found by some of its train tracks near Evergreen Brickworks.
Montreal
-
Stepson arrested after stepfather stabbed and killed and three others injured in spree in Montreal
A man in crisis stabbed several people Sunday morning in downtown Montreal, leaving one dead and three injured.
-
Rent price explosion continues to accelerate in Quebec, regions more affected
Rental prices continue to soar in Quebec, and regions outside of major urban centres appear to be more affected, according to data compiled by the Regroupement des comités logement et associations de locataires du Québec (RCLALQ).
-
No new COVID-19 deaths in Quebec; officials unable to provide hospitalization numbers
Quebec reported no new deaths related to COVID-19, as officials note they are unable to provide hospitalization data due to a "change in methodology."
Atlantic
-
Nathan MacKinnon shines in Game 6, helps Avalanche win Stanley Cup
Nathan MacKinnon was at his best in the Cup-clinching 2-1 victory Sunday night. After a relatively quiet performance in the series until that point, MacKinnon picked the perfect time to be a difference-maker and drove the bus for the Avalanche.
-
HMCS Kingston and Summerside set off for Operation Reassurance
As HMCS Kingston and Summerside pulled away from Halifax Harbour and deployed for Operation Reassurance, there was no shortage of emotion from family members who came to see them off.
-
Abortion rights: Maritimers react to overturning of Roe vs. Wade
It's a United States Supreme Court decision that has created headlines and shockwaves around the world, and here in the Maritimes.
Winnipeg
-
Police investigating shooting death at Centennial home
A 31-year-old man has died following a shooting at a home in Winnipeg’s Centennial neighbourhood on Sunday.
-
'We can't believe it': Winnipeggers throw surprise baby shower for Ukrainian refugee couple
A Winnipeg woman is making sure a couple from Ukraine is feeling right at home as they prepare to welcome their first child.
-
Manitoba First Nation facing $300M in flooding damage: chief
One Manitoba First Nation is facing hundreds of millions dollars in flood damage, after the community declared its second state of emergency in two months.
Calgary
-
'Deepest apologies': Central Alberta rodeo organizers shocked by parade float
Organizers of a central Alberta rodeo and its parade committee are calling for calm after a float in this weekend's parade, which possessed a racist theme, was seen in the procession.
-
Missing senior saved by ATV riders in Alberta's Porcupine Hills
RCMP is crediting the actions of a father and son for saving the life of an elderly man who had been lost for hours in the southern Alberta wilderness.
-
WEATHER
WEATHER | Periods of sun, late-day thundershower risk in Calgary
Warm and unsettled weather in Calgary this week.
Edmonton
-
Josh Classen's forecast: Warm, with occasional hit-n-miss showers
Sunday's high of 27 C was the warmest day of 2022 (so far) in Edmonton. Our average daily high for June is 21 C.
-
Search continues for missing 13-year-old girl
The Edmonton Police Service is searching for a 13-year-old girl that was last seen Friday morning.
-
Changing lives, one puppy at a time: Dogs With Wings celebrates newest grad class
Twenty-five new service dogs and their families celebrated the achievement of graduating from Alberta's only internationally accredited assistance dog agency Sunday.
Vancouver
-
Mini heatwave on B.C.'s South Coast to last one more day
It’s expected to be another scorcher on British Columbia's South Coast with a number of heat warnings still in effect.
-
Stabbing in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside: 3 rushed to hospital
Three people were rushed to hospital following a stabbing in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside Sunday afternoon.
-
Whitecaps battle to 0-0 MLS draw with New England
A win would have been better but for goalkeeper Cody Cropper helping the Vancouver Whitecaps battle to a 0-0 Major League Soccer draw with the New England Revolution Sunday afternoon was a personal victory.