Ontario Provincial Police have identified human remains discovered Wednesday as those of Sonia Varaschin, a missing 42-year-old, and have ruled her death a homicide.
A post-mortem examination was conducted Tuesday at the Centre of Forensic Sciences in Toronto.
"The Varaschin family has been notified and they have requested privacy as they deal with the news of Sonia's death," OPP said in a statement.
The remains were found Sunday morning in a wooded area 12 kilometres southeast of Orangeville by someone who was out walking their dog. Police promptly roped off the crime scene and spent most of the day scouring the area for evidence.
Investigators said Tuesday they believe the person -- or persons -- responsible for Sonia's murder used her own car to move her body from her residence in Orangeville to where she was eventually found.
Varaschin was reported missing on August 30 after she failed to report to work at a Mississauga pharmaceutical company.
That morning, police discovered her blood-spattered Toyota Corolla in an Orangeville alleyway, less than a half kilometre from her townhouse. Varaschin lived alone.
Authorities examined the townhouse and said they found blood on the front steps and front door as well as inside the home.
Police have said the woman was likely killed by someone who knew her. They believe she was dragged from her home wrapped up in blood-soaked bed sheets. Investigators said the bed sheets were missing from the townhouse.
Investigators ask that anyone who may have spotted Varaschin's Corolla last Monday morning to call police.
"We continue to receive tips, I can't speak to the exact number," said Const. Jonathan Beckett on Tuesday.
The OPP will hold a press conference on Wednesday to update the public on the case.
In the days after Varaschin's disappearance, police mounted a massive ground search, which included scouring the rural areas surrounding Orangeville. Air searches were also conducted.
Not long after Varaschin vanished, police said that foul play was involved in the case, and family members were told to brace for the worst.
On Friday, the Varaschin family released a statement calling their missing daughter a "hardworking and caring individual."
Varaschin had previously worked as a nurse at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and also at Newmarket's Southlake hospital.
If police do in fact have leads in the case, they have not gone public with them.
Investigators have not made any arrests in connection with the case nor have they publicly named any suspects.
