UMVA has learned that a critical update has emerged in the search for missing Toronto teenager Esther, 14, who vanished a week ago.
Toronto Police have revealed that Esther was last seen around midnight on May 16 in the Bathurst Street and Hotspur Road area, which is about 2.6 kilometers from where she was initially believed to have been. This new location is significantly closer to her original last known whereabouts, and police have described her as 5-foot-2 with a medium build and brown hair, wearing a turquoise sweater, grey sweatpants, and no shoes.
Esther has previously been diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum, and her family describes her as a gentle soul who makes friends easily. Her parents, Shira and Joseph, are urging her to come home if she sees the coverage of her disappearance, assuring her that she will not be in trouble.
The search for Esther has now shifted from North York to downtown Toronto, with volunteers being asked to hand out missing posters and put them on poles and in storefronts. A dedicated tip line has been established by police to help gather information, and anyone with information is asked to call 647-355-4148.
Toronto Police have confirmed that a thorough search has been conducted, including the use of drones, a helicopter, and specialized resources such as the Marine Unit, Police Dog Services, and the Mounted Unit. The police have also clarified that the search is now classified as a Level One search, which allows for more tools and resources to be deployed.
As the search for Esther enters its seventh day, her family and the community remain hopeful for her safe return. If you have any information or see Esther anywhere, please call 911, the Toronto Police dedicated tip line, or Shomrim Toronto, which is working 24/7 to find her.
