Ontario Provincial Police have released a three-dimensional facial recreation of a deceased infant that was found floating in the Grand River in 2022 in an effort to identify her.
Two fishermen near Dunnville discovered the human remains on May 17, 2022.
Following the discovery, a massive police effort was launched to solve the case.
Investigators scoured missing person files, utilized forensic DNA testing to try to trace any genetic relatives she may have had, and most recently put up a $50,000 reward for anyone who comes forward with information that will identify her.
A post-mortem conducted on her remains determined she was between the ages of 10.5 months and 2.5 years old.
Police said that the results from the genetic testing determined her ancestry to have ancestral roots stemming from North Africa and the region along the southern Chinese border.
“It’s difficult to understand how someone could throw away a child like that,’ OPP Detective Inspector Shawn Glassford said.
“We are hopeful that the 3D facial approximation will spark someone’s memory and help us identify this little girl. We want to give this child her name back.”
Alongside the provincial police forces push to further the investigation, a 15-minute video has been released.
They say it shares additional, behind-the-scenes information about their investigation through interviews with the “investigating team, forensic pathologists and anthropologists, DNA coordinators and members of the community.”
“Anyone who knows this child, has information that may help identify her or knows of a family who may have left town suddenly or moved away under circumstances that could now be considered suspicious, is encouraged to contact police.”
A dedicated tip line has been set up and can be reached by phone at 1-844-677-9403.
Alternatively, anonymous tips can be facilitated through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477.