York Regional Police have located human remains near Kirkfield during their search for a 57-year-old Markham woman who police say was attacked and kidnapped last week.
Ying Zhang, 57, went missing under suspicious circumstances last Thursday morning (July 25) from the wellness centre where she worked at Woodbine Avenue and Steelcase Road in Markham.
On Saturday, York Regional Police arrested 26-year-old Changlin Yang of East Gwillimbury and charged him with kidnapping, forcible confinement, and aggravated assault.
After Yang’s arrest, police released his mug shot as well as photos of a white Ford van with Ontario licence plate BZ43851 that was seen in the area where Zhang went missing, along with a photo a large green wheeled bin similar to one the suspect was seen with during the time of Zhang’s disappearance.
Police also said they had information the suspect vehicle travelled to the Village of Kirkfield in the City of Kawartha Lakes on Thursday afternoon.
On Monday, police conducted a ground search in the area of Palestine Road and Fenel Road south of Kirkfield, where they found the remains at around 5 p.m.
Although investigators are awaiting identification of the human remains from the Office of the Chief Coroner, police said they were found in a large green wheeled bin.
Investigators are seeking additional witnesses who may have seen the accused man or suspect vehicle in the area of Kirkfield in Kawartha Lakes.
Anyone with information is asked to call the York Regional Police Homicide Unit at 1-866-876-5423 ext. 7865 or homicide@yrp.ca. To remain anonymous, contact call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit www.1800222tips.com.
