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
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
'I killed four people': Trial hears video evidence of Jeremy Skibicki at Winnipeg trial
“I killed four people,” alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki told two homicide detectives during a recorded interview played as evidence in his trial Wednesday.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.