ORANGEVILLE, Ont. - As the search continues for a missing Orangeville, Ont., woman, police said a suspect may have taken bedding from her townhouse.
In a news conference Friday, Ontario Provincial Police Det.-Insp. Mark Pritchard said police are looking for 42-year-old Sonia Varaschin's beige or cream-coloured bed sheet and comforter that's likely blood-soaked.
Investigators said the suspect likely walked out of the house with her bedding and possibly used it to wrap up, transport or dispose of her body.
"The blood would be expected to be on both footwear and clothing, so we're asking that anybody who knows anybody that came home on Monday with unexplained blood on their clothing or their footwear contact the police so we can look into that matter," said Insp. Pritchard.
"Hopefully the person will be under a lot of stress, and family members, loved ones, friends [or] associates might have noticed a significant change in behaviour."
Detectives have warned anyone who may spot the sheets not to touch them and call police immediately.
Varaschin was reported missing by her family when she did not show up for work on Monday.
Her family is appealing for the public's help and issued a statement.
"We miss her dearly and are pleading for her safe return," it said. "The positive support that we received from family, friends, police and the community since Sonia's disappearance has been terrific and we are extremely appreciative."
The family also thanked members of the media for assisting the police. "At this time; however, we would also like to ask the media to continue to respect our privacy as we are terribly saddened by these recent events."
The massive police team that has been combing Orangeville since Sunday includes cadaver dogs and experts in criminal profiling. The Toronto Police Mounted Unit will also be involved in the search.
Varaschin's blood-splattered white Toyota Corolla was discovered abandoned in a laneway early Monday. More blood was found at her townhouse.
Police said she was driven from her townhouse and dumped, before the suspect returned the vehicle to her home.
New evidence shows the suspect may have seen and known Varaschin, but could have been a complete stranger to her.
Her friends are planning to hold a candlelight prayer vigil outside Orangeville's Town Hall Sunday night.