York Regional Police have now laid charges of second-degree murder and indignity to body against a man after confirming human remains found earlier this week were a missing woman.
Changlin Yang, 26, of East Gwillimbury, was previously charged with kidnapping, forcible confinement and aggravated assault in the case of Ying Zhang, a 57-year-old Markham woman who disappeared on July 25.
Human remains were discovered on Monday around 5 p.m. by members of the Search and Rescue Team who were conducting a ground search in the area of Palestine and Fenel Rds. in Kawartha Lakes and the Coroner’s Office has since confirmed they are Zhang.
Police have not said if or how the accused and victim knew one another.
The suspect vehicle, a white Ford van, had been seen in the area of Woodbine Ave. and Steelcase Rd. in Markham at the time of Zhang’s disappearance around 10:40 a.m. on July 25.
A suspect was also seen with a large, green wheeled bin.
Investigators are seeking additional witnesses who were in this area at the time or who may have seen the suspect or vehicle in the area of Kirkfield in Kawartha Lakes.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide Unit at 1-866-876-5423 ext. 7865, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.