Police probe 'suspicious disappearance' of mother and daughter from Whitby home
Investigators are looking for any information surrounding the "suspicious disappearance" of two women reported missing from a residence in Whitby, Durham Regional Police say.
The women have been identified as Ava Burton, 58, and her 85-year-old mother Tatilda Noble, police said in a news release Friday.
Shortly before 3 p.m. on Thursday, police responded to a request to check on the wellbeing of two females at an address on Scepter Place.
Speaking to reporters at the scene, Acting Sgt. George Tudos said a family member who was concerned about the wellbeing of the women contacted Durham Regional Police.
He said officers, who entered the residence to search for the women, "located other items that were suspicious in nature.
"Right now, it's under investigation by our major crimes unit," Tudos said.
Tudos said officers have also spoken with other family members who reside at the residence.
Police have secured the premise and the investigation is ongoing.
Burton is described as 5'1" tall, 125 pounds, of light complexion, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Noble is described as 5', 100 pounds, light in complexion, with brown eyes, grey hair approximately neck length and wears prescription glasses. Her hair is usually wrapped in a scarf and she speaks with a Jamaican accent.
Tudos would not elaborate on what had been found inside the residence.
"I can't get into the specifics, but we are concerned for their safety," he said.
Late Friday, forensic officers began their analysis after Durham Regional Police received a search warrant to enter the home.
Lynette Thompson, a neighbour who regularly talked with Burton, said she got worried after her WhatsApp messages went unanswered after Saturday, Oct. 9.
Police are asking anyone with home security or dash-cam video from the building or anyone with information about the women's whereabouts to contact Det. McDermott of the Major Crime Branch at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5411.
