Toronto police are intensifying their search for a 14-year-old Jewish girl who has been missing since May 16. The teenager, identified only as Esther or Esti in accordance with the Toronto Police Service's missing persons policy, is on the autism spectrum and was last seen near Bathurst Street and Hotspur Road, just south of Highway 401, shortly after midnight. She had been spotted at Earl Bales Park in North York about 30 minutes earlier.
Police Express Growing Concern
With each passing day, police concerns have heightened. A law enforcement source close to the investigation told the Toronto Sun that while they believe Esther is still alive, they are increasingly worried. The source noted that she did not take her phone or any other electronic devices with her, which complicates the search. 'We don't really have anything,' the source said. 'She ran away and didn't take her phone or any other devices with her. Really, we have no idea.'
Challenges in the Investigation
Without the modern technological tools that have revolutionized missing persons cases over the past two decades, the investigation is particularly challenging. The source emphasized that 'everything is on the table,' and the TPS has deployed a significant number of personnel and resources to the case. 'We believe at this time that Esther is alive, but we're worried. She needs her meds, and as time goes on, things are going to get tougher,' the source added.
The source also suggested that Esther may have intentionally left her family structure. 'It's more likely she wanted to escape her family structure. She's a smart, smart girl. And because she didn't take her devices or bank cards, if you want to go missing, you can stay missing.'
Public Appeal and Community Response
The girl's parents, Shira and Joseph, appeared at Earl Bales Park on Tuesday to plead for their daughter's safe return. Meanwhile, missing posters have been torn down by vandals, sparking outrage in the community. Esther is described as 5-foot-2, with a medium build and brown hair. She was last seen wearing a turquoise sweater with words on the front, grey sweatpants, and possibly no shoes.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Toronto police at 647-355-4148 or online, or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
