Police investigate death of 37-year-old woman whose body was found on Highway 400
Provincial police say a body found along Highway 400 in Bradford West Gwillimbury Wednesday is that of a 37-year-old female, but her identity has yet to be released.
A motorist called police early Wednesday afternoon to report the discovery of human remains in a ditch along the northbound lanes between the 5th Line and Highway 88 .
Police say the woman's identity is being withheld. However, they have confirmed it is not connected to the missing person's case of Elnaz Hajtamiri.
"I can tell you right now that the body discovered is not that of Elnaz Hajtamiri," OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt told CTV News. "Again, we continue to work with investigators. We have notified family but this is not Elnaz and we continue to work diligently to bring closure to this case."
An autopsy is scheduled for Friday to determine the cause of death.
In a release Thursday, police did not reveal whether the death appears suspicious but did add they don't believe there is any threat to public safety.
The Highway Safety Division OPP Crime Unit is investigating, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, and in conjunction with the province's chief coroner's office and the forensic pathology service.
A small police presence remained in the area as of Friday afternoon.
"We had our search teams as well combing through the bush area, the grass and ditch area, as part of their wider investigation, but I don't have a timeline as to how long we will maintain a presence there," said Schmidt.
The OPP urge anyone who travelled the area between the evening of Jan. 15 to the morning of Jan. 18, who may have dash cam footage or noticed any parked vehicles or people on the shoulder of the road to contact OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Alternatively, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous by calling 1-800-222-8477.
- With files from CTV's Dana Roberts
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6953874.1720232402!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Protesters smash windows at McGill University; police use tear gas to disperse crowd
Montreal police deployed tear gas as they dispersed a crowd of protesters participating in a pro-Palestinian demonstration after members of the group smashed windows at McGill University Friday evening.
Biden rejects independent medical evaluation in ABC interview as he fights to stay in race
U.S. President Joe Biden, fighting to save his endangered reelection effort, used a highly anticipated TV interview Friday to repeatedly reject taking an independent medical evaluation that would show voters he is up for serving another term in office while blaming his disastrous debate performance on a 'bad episode' and saying there were 'no indications of any serious condition.'
Canada beat Venezuela on penalties to reach Copa America semifinals
Canada claimed a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Venezuela on Friday to reach the Copa America semifinals for the first time after an absorbing contest finished 1-1.
Owe money for CERB? Here's how the CRA is getting it back
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) may face some hurdles in collecting the money loaned through COVID-19 pandemic relief programs, like the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), according to a tax lawyer.
Stay away from hogweed: What you need to know about these pesky and dangerous plants
Hogweed is harmful to humans and, experts say, the invasive species has become a growing problem in southern Ontario.
N.B. man denied flight due to tear in passport’s seam
What seemed to be a minor passport issue turned into a major problem for a New Brunswick man who was denied a boarding pass from Air Canada.
Earth's core has slowed so much it's moving backward, scientists confirm. Here's what it could mean
Deep inside Earth is a solid metal ball that rotates independently of our spinning planet, like a top whirling around inside a bigger top, shrouded in mystery.
Summer jobs could prove tough to come by for students, according to latest job stats
Statistics Canada’s latest jobs report shows youth unemployment reached a near decade high.
Ottawa woman, 49, wins $70 million, plans to help community
An Ottawa woman, who has survived cancer and has overcome addiction, has won $70 million with Lotto Max.