Homicide team now investigating Langley, B.C., teacher's disappearance
Homicide investigators have been called to help solve the disappearance of Langley, B.C., teacher Naomi Onotera, authorities revealed Wednesday.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team also confirmed that police have begun searching Onotera's home, which has been cordoned off since Monday.
"I would caution that the presence of officers, security and crime scene tape is not an indication of criminality of anyone living in the residence. They are there to secure the preservation of evidence," IHIT Sgt. David Lee said in a news release.
"IHIT would like to ask for patience as this investigation continues. The family has also asked for privacy."
IHIT said members are assisting the Langley RCMP Serious Crimes Unit, and that the investigation remains in its initial stages.
Forensics officers have been seen at the family home this week, and neighbours told CTV News there was a canine unit at the scene on Monday.
Authorities previously said they did not suspect foul play in Onotera's disappearance.
The 40-year-old works as a teacher-librarian at Surrey's Katzie Elementary and has a 20-month-old daughter. Colleagues said her absence left an air of sadness at the school after classes resumed this month.
Police vehicles are seen outside the Langley, B.C., home of missing teacher Naomi Onotera on Sept. 15, 2021.
Police said Onotera's husband last saw her leave home on Aug. 28, and that her mother reported her missing the next day.
The missing woman's sister, Kirsten Kerr, said her sudden disappearance has been devastating to her loved ones.
"We just want to see her safely returned. We all miss her very much," Kerr told CTV News last week.
Onotera's husband has not spoken publicly. A neighbour who has spoken to him since the disappearance told CTV News the husband was upset and crying.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Michele Brunoro
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.