Human remains found north of Toronto, unclear if they're linked to missing woman

CALEDON, Ont. - A week after an Ontario nurse went missing, human remains were discovered east of Orangeville, Ont., but police have not confirmed if they are those of Sonia Varaschin.

"The coroner has attended the scene and has confirmed that the remains are human. A post-mortem examination will be conducted at the office of the chief coroner at a later date and time," said Ontario Provincial Police Const. Jonathan Beckett.

Beckett said the identity and sex of the person will not be released until the body has been identified.

"We have been in contact with the Varaschin family regarding the discovery," said Beckett, who asked that the family's privacy be respected.

Someone walking their dog discovered the remains Sunday morning in Caledon, about 12 kilometres from Orangeville, and contacted Ontario Provincial Police.

Varaschin, 42, was reported missing Monday by her family when she didn't show up for work.

On Friday, police asked the public for help in finding blood-soaked bedding missing from the woman's Orangeville home.

Ontario Provincial Police Det.-Insp. Mark Pritchard said a culprit likely left the scene covered in a significant amount of blood.

"We expect that following this crime the offender would have had a significant change in his behaviour,'' Pritchard said on Friday.

Varaschin's blood-stained white Toyota Corolla was found in an alley Monday morning in the town, some 80 kilometres northwest of Toronto. A trail of blood was also found inside and outside her home.

Beige colour bedding, including a fitted sheet and a comforter, were among items taken from the home.

While police said they have no suspect in the case, they have told the family to brace for the worst.

Police said the culprit is likely someone Varaschin knew or was familiar with her.

According to police, the investigation suggests the culprit left Varaschin's house in the woman's Toyota and returned to downtown Orangeville with the car sometime later.

Days of ground, air and trail searches of the Orangeville area _ which is predominantly rural _ failed to find traces of Varaschin.

In a statement on Friday, the family made a heartfelt plea for Varaschin's safe return, calling the young woman a "hardworking and caring individual."

A Facebook group dedicated to bringing Varaschin home has thousands of followers offering support to her family.