The stalled eight-month investigation into the death of Sonia Varaschin took a significant step forward on Tuesday, when Ontario Provincial Police asked select members of the public to submit DNA samples.
Detective Andy Karski of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch said that investigators recovered DNA evidence when Varaschin's body was found on September 5.
Karski said police are requesting people submit to voluntary DNA testing, in an attempt to locate the killer and bring peace to the 42-year-old nurse's family.
"By providing a DNA sample you will assist in our efforts to catch the person responsible for the senseless and brutal slaying of this young girl and bring them to justice," Det. Andy Karski said in a statement.
"It is completely confidential and by agreeing to provide this voluntary sample you will be doing a great service to your community and public safety."
Investigators say they will be contacting a select group of males who were 18 years of age and older at the time of Varaschin's death and asking them for samples of their DNA in the form of a cheek swab.
The swab is voluntary and will only be used to compare DNA recovered during this investigation and will be destroyed at the end of the investigation.
Police say Varaschin was murdered in her Orangeville, Ont., home and her body was disposed of in a wooded area nearby, where her body was found on September 5. Authorities say she may have known her attacker.
Karski was named lead investigator earlier this week, reinvigorating the stalled investigation. Karski said he is now looking into some conflicts Varaschin had in her life and work places before she died.
Investigators are asking anyone to please contact the Orangeville Police Service if they notice anyone who begins to exhibit a change in behaviour, acts strangely or may have abruptly moves as a result of the notification of this DNA canvas.
