THESE BOOTS might lead to the identification of Sonia Varaschin’s killer. Police said they are of a brand marketed exclusively by Mark’s Work Wearhouse. A similar boot was worn by the killer when he committed the crime and disposed of the body. The nine-day search for missing Orangeville nurse Sonia Varaschin, 42, ended tragically when she was identified Tuesday as the murdered body found in Caledon Sunday morning by a citizen walking her dog. Meantime, contrary rumours, a suicide at the Norpeel Motel last Thursday was not connected with Sonia’s killing, police Caledon and in Orangeville have confirmed.

Police believe Ms. Varaschin was killed by someone she knew or someone who knew her well. At a news conference Wednesday, OPP Detective Inspector Mark Pritchard acknowledged for the first time that there had not been a forced entry into her Spring Street townhome. The police do not have specific suspect at this time, but the inspector said there are several “persons of interest.”

What is known of the killer is that he purchased the size 10 or 11 work boots he was wearing at Mark’s Work Wearhouse, that his boots as well as his clothing would have had blood stains when he returned home on the morning of Monday, August 30, and that he would have been familiar with Orangeville, the surrounding area, and Ms. Varaschin’s neighbourhood.

Nothing has been uncovered in the investigation to indicate that more than one person was involved in the killing, the inspector said in response to a question.

There were several unanswered questions, and some questions remained unasked, in the brief conference yesterday. Information about such as whether there had been a sexual assault or if DNA had been found on the body, as well as the nature of injuries and indication of the weapon used in the attack were held back because of the ongoing nature of the homicide investigation, Inspector Pritchard indicated.

Orangeville Police Chief Joe Tomei would say only that the community and the police are “deeply saddened” by the tragedy.” He said the focus now is on finding the killer, and the search will continue until an arrest has been made. “We will use all resources our disposal (in the investigation).”

The chief added that the media had been helpful in getting the public involved, and asked that the media reach out to the public again.

The discovery of Ms. Varaschin’s body had come fully a week after her disappearance when a citizen walking her dog chanced on the remains in a wooded area off Beech Grove Sideroad in Caledon at about 9 a.m. Sunday.

It has not been confirmed whether the body was wrapped in the bedding that had disappeared from her home, but police did not identify the remains as either male or female until an autopsy had been completed on Tuesday.

Ms. Varaschin had been reported missing by her family on August 30 after she failed to show up for work. Her blood-stained Toyota Corolla was located in an alleyway near Alexandra Park and blood was also found at her Spring Street residence.

“Anyone who might have seen Sonia’s white Toyota Corolla during the overnight or early morning hours between Sunday August 29 and Monday August 30, 2010, prior to 10 a.m. is asked to contact the Orangeville Police Service tip line at (519) 941-2522 extension 2211 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous.

Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000,” police said in a news release Tuesday.

At the Wednesday news conference, the police appealed to “a friend, coworker or spouse” who may have noticed unexplained blood or a change in demeanour on Aug. 30, to come forward.

“The community and the family need to have this crime solved,” said Inspector Pritchard.

Orangeville Mayor Rob Adams issued the following statement Wednesday concerning the death of nurse Sonia Varaschin:

“My fellow members of Council and I were devastated to learn of the disappearance and death of Sonia Varaschin.

“The community is grieving for the loss of one of our own. The community has come together in disbelief to express condolences to the Varaschin family. The outpouring of emotion in the community has been amazing and our thoughts are with the family. This heart-wrenching crime has affected so many, many people – from those who knew and loved Sonia to people across the country who have heard about the tragic story. On behalf of the Town of Orangeville, I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the Varaschin family.

“Many offers of help were received from members of the community during the search and we would have called on those volunteers if the search had reached that stage. Thanks to everyone who has shown they cared deeply about another member of the community.

“The OPP Criminal Investigations Branch and the Orangeville Police Service deserve much credit for their unrelenting work and dedication to the search and the investigation. The emergency response team and police experts in search and rescue methods combed a wide area, while other resources, including helicopters, ATVs, and mounted officers, were utilized in a systematic search. The response was well organized from the outset and I can only offer sincere praise to the officers who have worked, and continue to work, on this case.

“Now I have to ask the community to respect the residents who live in the area of Sonia’s home. As you can appreciate, many have tried to connect to this tragic event by visiting the area, along with the media, and the result has been disruptive and upsetting for the neighbourhood.

“Please respect the neighbours’ privacy and property as we all struggle to deal with this tragedy in our community.”