UPDATE
JUNE 29, 2023:
At a press conference at headquarters on June 29, 2023, the Toronto Police Service identified Rosedale Jane Doe has four-year-old Neveah Tucker. They also revealed her remains had been discovered just 16 days before her fifth birthday, with her birthdate being May 18, 2017.
According to Inspector Hank Idsinga of the Toronto Police Service’s Homicide and Missing Person Unit, the identification came following a tip from the public, with an individual calling in to report the remains may have belonged to a different child. While the information itself wasn’t specific, it, along with the use of genetic genealogy and the help of Othram, moved the case forward.
“We’re very grateful to the person who did call in and provide us with information,” Idsinga told reporters at the press conference. “It gave us that little jigsaw piece, and we were able to build from there.”
The Toronto Police Service revealed that Neveah’s mother, who resides in Toronto, has been notified, but wouldn’t expand on her involvement in the investigation. They haven’t yet located the girl’s father. Investigators also wouldn’t say who had custody of the young girl at the time of her death.
By identifying the decedent, they were able to confirm that she, too, was born in the city.
As of June 29, 2023, no arrests have been made, and no charges have been filed. Investigators still haven’t ruled out the possibility of deeming the case a homicide, as Neveah’s cause of death remains undetermined. That being said, it’s been confirmed she was never reported missing.
According to Idsinga, investigators plan to speak with Neveah’s family members, at which point a decision regarding her remains will be made. “We have a lot of work to do,” he explained. “We will continue to work closely with our partners to investigate the circumstances leading up to Neveah’s death, and the subsequent disposal of her body.”
Those with information regarding Neveah Tucker’s death are asked to contact the Toronto Police Service’s 53 Division at (416) 808-7400. Tips can also be submitted anonymously via Crime Stoppers at (416) 222-8477.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
DISCOVERY:
At around 4:45 PM on May 2, 2022, the remains of a little girl were discovered in a construction dumpster at 25 Dale Avenue, near Castle Frank Road, in Toronto, Ontario. The Rosedale residence, within one of Canada’s wealthiest neighbourhoods, was unoccupied and under construction at the time.
The decedent was wrapped in a burgundy and red blanket, as well as a white baby blanket with pastel-coloured butterflies. She was also placed within a plastic bag.
AUTOPSY:
It was determined the decedent had died either the previous summer or fall, due to the state of the remains. While the cause of death couldn’t be determined, the case has been designated “suspicious”, as “kids don’t just die”. Given this, homicide detectives with the Toronto Police Service are involved in the investigation.
DETAILS:
Jane Doe is described as Black or of mixed-African descent. She was likely between the ages of four and seven, and stood at 3’6″, with a slim build. Her curly black hair was worn in four ponytails, two of which were braided and tied with blue elastics.
According to investigators, she had all of her teeth.
INVESTIGATION:
Immediately following the decedent’s discovery, police canvassed the area. Forensic teams also went through the residence “with a fine toothcomb”, with the Toronto Police Service’s Forensic Video Analysis Unit examining surveillance camera footage from various structures in the area. While none were positioned toward the dumpster, they did find video of a possible suspect vehicle. However, it has since been confirmed the Porsche has no connection to the case.
It has since been determined that Jane Doe’s body was placed in the construction dumpster between noon on April 28, 2021 and the time she was found on May 2.
Investigators looked at several local missing persons cases and even compared her DNA to missing children across Canada, but no matches were made. They’ve since turned to genetic genealogy, to see if Jane Doe’s DNA matches that of children reported missing throughout North America. Despite these efforts, however, police have said it’s “unlikely” she was ever reported missing, and they’re not sure she was ever enrolled in school, given her potential age.
Several tips have been received from the public, and all continue to be diligently followed up on.
CASE CONTACT INFORMATION:
Rosedale Jane Doe’s dentals and DNA are currently available for comparison.
Those with information regarding the decedent’s identity and/or death are asked to contact the Toronto Police Service at either (416) 808-7411 or (416) 808-5300. Tips can also be called in to the Ontario Provincial Police Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains at +1 (877) 934-6363 or (705) 330-4144.
Those wishing to remain anonymous can submit information via Crime Stoppers at +1 (800) 222-8477.
Image Credit: Ontario Provincial Police
Stories of the Unsolved 