Sonia Varaschin is seen in a 2007 photo provided by police.
Police are asking the public to be their eyes and ears in the search for a missing Orangeville woman they believe is a victim of foul play. At a press conference this morning, police warned the public to be on the lookout for items taken from the crime scene.
A beige or cream fitted bed sheet and a comforter of the same colour are missing from the home of Sonia Varaschin, 42, last seen on Sunday. Evidence suggests the culprit acted alone, was familiar with the area surrounding Ms. Varaschin's home, and that she was likely attacked by someone she knew, police said.
Ms. Varaschin's car was found covered in blood earlier this week, abandoned in downtown Orangeville. There was also blood found splattered in her home.
OPP Detective Inspector Mark Pritchard warned area residents to watch for "unexplained bedding" especially in rural or wooded areas. The bedding is "expected to be blood soaked."
Mr. Pritchard said "the culprit left the scene covered in blood," and would have had traces on both clothing and footwear on Monday, when Ms. Varaschin was reported missing. Mr. Pritchard said the removal of bedding "suggests a disposal of biological evidence."
Chief Joseph Tomei from Orangeville Police Service issued a statement on behalf of Ms. Varaschin's family, who say they remain hopeful, though police have braced them for the worst.
"We're confident Sonia will be found and justice will be served," said Mr. Tomei, who spoke on behalf of Ms. Varaschin's family.
Search efforts continue in the air and on the ground, with forces now enhanced by the Toronto Mounted and OPP Mounted Police. Six horses from the Toronto Police Service and two horses from Wellington OPP will aid the search by allowing officers to navigate rural terrain with better visibility from a higher vantage point than an ATV, OPP Constable Peter Leon said.
Mr. Tomei said the search will continue until Ms. Varaschin is found.