Human remains found in search for kidnapped Markham woman

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Investigators searching for a Markham woman kidnapped last week have located human remains in the Kawartha Lakes area.

York Regional Police said the remains were found on Monday around 5 p.m. while a ground search was being conducted for Ying Zhang in the Palestine and Fenel Rds. area of Kirkfield.

Police said they were awaiting positive identification of the remains from the Chief Coroner’s Office.

Const. James Dickson, in an interview with CP24, refused to say whether police believed the remains were those of Zhang.

York cops previously said they had arrested Changlin Yang, 26, of East Gwillimbury, and charged him with kidnapping, forcible confinement and aggravated assault in the case.

Investigators are considering the incident “isolated and targeted,” Dickson told CP24.

“We’re still looking into all the motives as well as the relationship between the two,” Dickson added. “We expect that’s going to be unfolding as the investigation continues.”

Images of the suspect vehicle, a white Ford van, that was seen in the Woodbine Ave. and Steelcase Rd. area of Toronto at the time of Zhang’s disappearance on July 25 at 10:40 a.m. were also released. Dickson confirmed a CTV report that Zhang worked at a wellness centre in the Woodbine-Steelcase area, where he said she was last seen after “attending work as normal.”

Police said the suspect was seen with a large, green, wheeled bin.

Dickson said a green bin was also found in the Palestine-Fenel Rds. area of Kirkfield during their search.

Investigators are seeking additional witnesses who were in the area or who may have seen the accused or vehicle.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide Unit at 1-866-876-5423 ext. 7865, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

— With files from Toronto Sun staff