Missing teen murdered
Police identify body found in Ottawa wood Girl’s death sparks fear of possible serial killer
OTTAWA— The case of a missing Ottawa teen is now a murder investigation, sparking fears by some that a serial killer may be on the loose.
Police confirmed yesterday that a body found near a hiking trail, just steps from a frequently used parking lot, is that of 18-year-old Jennifer Teague, who disappeared on her way home from work Sept. 8. The body was partly covered in tree branches when it was found Sunday about five kilometres from the westend restaurant where Teague was last seen after working the late shift.
Investigators are not ruling out the possibility that a serial killer is responsible, but they said it doesn’t immediately appear the case is related to that of another murdered Ottawa woman. The body of Ardeth Wood, 27, was discovered more than two years ago near a path in the city’s east end and police have yet to find her killer.
“ At this point, I must stress that the two investigations do not appear to be related,” Staff- Sgt. Monique Ackland said at a roadside news conference near where the body was discovered. The cause of death was not immediately known and police would not reveal whether Teague had been sexually assaulted, nor whether she was fully clothed when discovered. The identification was done through dental records.
“ It will take . . . extensive forensic testing to obtain more information,” said Ackland. “ That could take weeks.” Teague disappeared shortly after heading home late at night from the Wendy’s restaurant where she worked. Wendy’s Canada has a policy that forbids employees from leaving their place of work alone, said a spokeswoman. But unlike some other fast food chains, it does not ensure employees are driven home in taxis or picked up by parents. The fast food chain is reviewing that policy.
“ We are now in the process of reviewing our policies and procedures,” said Sharon Reid, who added that the corporation closely guards many details of its policies to protect employee safety.