A grandmother made an emotional plea Tuesday for the safe return of her 12-year-old granddaughter, who has been missing for nearly a month.
“What I want is for my granddaughter, for whoever has her, just to bring her home,” Sharon Aldred said, fighting back tears.
The plea comes the same day as a mother suspected of child abduction turned herself into police, but her young daughter remains missing, police said Tuesday afternoon.
Veasna Heng, 31, turned herself into police Tuesday.
Police say they are still looking for 12-year-old Teketha Dystani Heng, who is described as 4’10” tall and 90 pounds.
Since 2006, Teketha has been in her granmother’s custody, along with her brother.
Aldred said she dropped her granddaughter and grandson off at their other grandmother’s house for a parental visit with her mother on Monday, July 16 in the Jane Street and Finch Avenue West area.
Such visits had been happening for several years without incident, Aldred said.
When Aldred went to pick the kids up, Teketha’s brother was there, but Teketha was gone.
Aldred said she reported Teketha missing to police immediately.
Police issued a release Monday, asking for the public’s to help find the girl and her mother.
Police said Tuesday they are worried for the girl’s safety.
Aldred is also worried.
“I am appealing to whoever has Teketha, to bring her home,” she said. “And Teketha, if you are listening, you must know that you are loved. You know that.”
Police have released a picture of the girl in hopes that someone who has seen the child will come forward.
Police are asking anyone with information to call 416-808-3100 or to call Crime Stoppers anonymously.
With files from CTV Toronto’s Tamara Cherry
