Police investigating image posted on missing woman’s TikTok

Police believe Emily Bailey’s account was hacked, but are trying to confirm

‘‘ I had to leave work right away, I was shaking. LO R I B E VA N E M I LY B A I L E Y ’ S M OT H E R

Hamilton police are awaiting information from TikTok after an image was posted on the account of a woman missing for nearly a year and a half — prompting investigators to believe her account may have been hacked.

Emily Bailey was 23 when she disappeared after New Year’s Day 2022, leaving behind two young daughters and her family searching for answers.

The homicide unit took over the investigation into her disappearance in March of that year because of suspicion of foul play. Among the reasons for concern was the fact that Bailey had not used social media since she disappeared.

Bailey lived a quasi-homeless life, often staying with friends, and struggled with addiction. But she always maintained contact with her daughters. Bailey had been staying with a boyfriend at a Weir Street North house, which police later searched as part of their ongoing investigation.

Her mom, Lori Bevan, was at work last week when she checked her phone and saw the new image seemingly randomly posted on her daughter’s account. It is a picture of a large dog chewing a stick, laying on grass. A song — “Cupid” by K-pop group Fifty Fifty — plays.

“I had to leave work right away, I was shaking,” she says. Soon after her phone started to ring and she’s been inundated with messages.

Many have speculated on social media about what the image could mean.

Bevan doesn’t recognize the dog or the song, but the “song was kind of chilling.”

“Guess I should take it as a sign ... I’m feeling lonely,” the lyrics begin.

Det. Sgt. Sara Beck, the homicide unit case manager, said police believe her account was hacked, but won’t know for sure until they get information back from TikTok. This requires judicial authorization, which will take time and require investigative followup.

Police are attempting to identify the origin of the post, she said. There is no meaning to it that police are aware of.

Bevan said she doesn’t understand why anyone would hack her daughter’s account. The whole ordeal has left her more confused and upset.

“The case is active, however, there are no updates to provide publicly at this time,” Beck said.

Anyone with information can call police at 905-546-4863. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com.