Hamilton homicide detectives are intensifying their investigation into the mysterious disappearance of Emily Bailey, a 23-year-old mother of two who vanished on New Year's Day 2022. Police recently executed a search warrant at a Victorian home in the downtown core, a location Bailey had previously frequented. Investigators plan to search the residence for several days, following new leads that have emerged in the case.
New Information Leads to Search
Detective Sergeant John Obrovac stated that new information prompted the search of the Stinson Street address. “We have new information that led us to the address on Stinson,” Obrovac told the Hamilton Spectator. “We are searching for Emily and any evidence relating to her disappearance.” The detective revealed that two tipsters provided crucial information, both possessing “intimate knowledge surrounding the circumstances that led to Emily’s death.”
Background of the Case
Bailey was reported missing on January 10, 2022, after last being seen leaving her home on Weir Street North in Hamilton’s east end. Her destination was unknown. Three months later, in March 2022, police reclassified the missing persons probe as a homicide investigation, citing foul play. Investigators noted that Bailey was an active social media user and deeply involved in her daughters' lives, making her sudden disappearance highly unusual.
Prior to her disappearance, Bailey lived with her boyfriend, Jeff Johnson. Johnson’s brother, Dean, reportedly resides at the Stinson Street home that was searched. Jeff Johnson was serving a two-year federal prison sentence for theft and breaking and entering but is currently on day parole.
Connection to a Dark Pickup
According to the Toronto Sun, Bailey had a “connection or association” with a dark GMC or Chevy pickup truck in the week before she vanished. Detective Sergeant Jim Callender noted in 2022 that “events surrounding her disappearance have indicated the possibility of foul play.” He added, “Some of those people may have more information they haven’t shared, and there are probably some people who have never come forward to police, some people who have been hesitant to divulge what they know.”
Description and Appeal
Bailey is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall with a slim build, weighing about 100 pounds. She had shoulder-length dark brown hair with dyed blue or green highlights at the time of her disappearance. She has several tattoos, including an elephant on her left forearm and a Batman symbol on the outside of her right forearm. Her body has not yet been found, nor has a murder weapon.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact investigators at 905-546-2458 or 905-546-3827. The case remains active as detectives continue to pursue all leads.
