The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is releasing a three-dimensional (3-D) facial approximation and new Unsolved video (link) in the hopes of identifying a child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville almost two years ago.
The unidentified remains of the child were found on May 17, 2022, by two individuals fishing on a boat. The facial approximation, completed by the OPP Forensic Artist/Reconstruction Analyst, is that of a female child. It has been determined the child was between the ages of ten-and-a-half months and three years at the time of her death. We understand from the Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) results that the child’s heritage is half Chinese or neighbouring countries along the southern Chinese border, and is of North African heritage as well. Police hope the 3-D approximation and video will prompt the public to provide new information to assist the investigation.
A $50,000 reward, provided by the Government of Ontario, is also now available for information leading to the identity of the child.
The OPP has produced a new video, The Grand River Baby: Unsolved, that goes behind the scenes of the investigation with additional details of the case and 3D facial approximation of the child. It also features the investigative team, including the forensic pathologist and anthropologist. The video can be viewed on OPP News: www.opp.ca/news.
Anyone who knows this child, has information that may help identify her or knows of a family who may have left town suddenly or moved away under circumstances that could now be considered suspicious, is encouraged to contact police. Call the dedicated tip line at 1-844-677-9403 or, should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca/submit-a-tip.
“We need the community’s help in this disturbing and tragic case involving a young child. We hope that the 3-D facial approximation will spark someone’s memory and that they come forward. Together, we can give this child her name back.” Detective Inspector Shawn Glassford, OPP Criminal Investigation Branch.
