Amy Paul Ottawa's 8th homicide victim of 2013
Kristy Nease | CBC News | Posted: September 18, 2013 11:38 AM | Last Updated: September 19, 2013
Mother reported her missing to police Sept. 9
Missing woman Amy Paul, whose body was discovered in a hay field on Tuesday, is Ottawa's eighth homicide victim of 2013, police confirm.
Paul's mother filed the missing person's report with Ottawa police on Sept. 9. She said Paul, 27, hadn't been seen or heard from since Sept. 3.
No media release was sent out about Paul's disappearance, police confirm.
It's up to the missing persons investigator to determine whether a media release should be issued. If there are active leads, for example, an investigator may decide not to issue a release, a police spokesman said.
Paul was known to frequent the Lowertown, Overbrook and Vanier neighbourhoods, her family said in a Facebook page. Relatives told CBC News Paul worked in the sex trade.
An autopsy to determine how she died was held today. Police are not yet releasing any information about the cause of Paul's death.
Grid searches continue
The "Help Find Amy Paul" Facebook page was updated early Wednesday morning with the news of her death.
"It is with sad regret I have to inform you that Amy has passed away..." the post said. "Our prayers and thoughts are with her parents, brother, sister, daughter, nieces and nephew. May Amy rest in peace."
A farmer using a tractor in his field discovered Paul's body Tuesday morning and called police. The field sits along the 2900-block of Nixon Road.
Grid searches of the area in which she was found resumed Wednesday morning.
The major crimes unit is leading the case.
Anyone with information is asked to call 613-236-1222, ext. 5493, or phone Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477(TIPS) — toll free at 1-800-222-8477.
Ottawa Police are asking women, particularly those in the sex trade, to be vigilant after Amy Paul's death.
Sex trade workers are reminded to:
Sex trade workers are reminded to:
Be aware of surroundings and avoid isolated areas.
Trust your instincts when you don't feel safe.
Let someone know if you must leave the area.
Take more time than usual before getting into a vehicle.
Try to work in teams so someone knows what vehicle you get in.
Keep a cell phone and make sure it's charged and has minutes on it.
Have a personal safety plan prepared should a dangerous situation arise.
Report bad dates immediately to police, or to someone you trust.
Check in regularly with people you know, so they know you are OK.
Trust your instincts when you don't feel safe.
Let someone know if you must leave the area.
Take more time than usual before getting into a vehicle.
Try to work in teams so someone knows what vehicle you get in.
Keep a cell phone and make sure it's charged and has minutes on it.
Have a personal safety plan prepared should a dangerous situation arise.
Report bad dates immediately to police, or to someone you trust.
Check in regularly with people you know, so they know you are OK.