Human remains that were found in Catfish Creek Conservation Area over the weekend have been identified as those of a London woman who vanished six years ago and was presumed to have been murdered.
Vanessa Fotheringham's remains were discovered by a passerby in the South-West Oxford Township conservation area around 12:30pm on February 24. Oxford OPP announced Friday that forensic testing had confirmed the remains were that of the 24-year-old who was last seen alive on February 16, 2012.
"The discovery and return of her remains offers us important evidence to assist our investigation and eventually prosecution," said London police Detective Sergeant Alex Krygsman.
Antonio Resendez Cortez
Fotheringham was reported missing to London police on February 21, 2012. After a lengthy investigation, police issued an arrest warrant in April 2016 for Antonio Valentin Resendez Cortez, a migrant worker from Mexico. He is charged with second degree murder.
Police have not commented on a cause of death in the case as it is part of the on-going investigation.
Resendez Cortez was working in the area in early 2012 and knew Fotheringham, although police have not elaborated on their relationship. Police believe Resendez Cortez returned to Mexico shortly after Fotheringham's disappearance and have been working with the RCMP and Mexican authorities to find him.
"Obviously we are looking for Mr. Resendez Cortez. We have no reason to believe he is in this jurisdiction, however there may be people who are aware of where he is or may have further information that may assist us in this investigation," said Krygsman. "It is still an open and on-going investigation. It has been since Vanessa's disappearance and we would continue to appeal to people to come forward if they have any information to offer."
Krygsman added that police have reason to believe that Resendez Cortez is still in Mexico.
Fotheringham's family has been in contact with investigators and are again asking the public and media to respect their privacy, according to Krygsman.