The sister of 26-year-old Autumn Shaganash paused several times to compose herself during a prepared statement she read at a Barrie Police news conference on Thursday, expressing hope that a $50,000 reward would help to bring her sibling home.
"It's been almost eight months since we last saw her or heard from her," said Lili Moore. "Every day has been difficult not knowing where she is.
The reward money was announced by Barrie police at the news conference.
Shaganash was reported missing to Barrie police on Monday, June 12, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. She was last seen leaving a family member's home on Friday, June 9, near Burton Avenue and Franks Way at 11:00 p.m.
On Saturday, June 10, police do know that her sister received a text message from Shaganash asking to be picked up. When her sister tried to respond to the message about three minutes later, her phone went to voicemail and appeared to have been turned off.
Since that Saturday morning text, no one has heard from Shaganash, who was a regular user of social media.
She was last seen in the area of Sunnidale Park near the intersection of Sunnidale Road and Letitia Street between 10 a.m. and noon that day. Shaganash was headed to the Barrie waterfront to watch an air show with a male friend who was walking slightly ahead of her when police said she "vanished."
At the time, Shaganash was wearing a black hoodie, tan-coloured leggings, slip-on Puma sandals and was carrying a black and tan purse.
There was a walk for ALS at Sunnidale Park at the time Shaganash was last seen. Investigators have searched the park at least five times using various techiques but they found no evidence. The result was the same during searches in Toronto and Sarnia.
"I hope the offering of this reward will provide our investigators the information they are seeking to bring resolution to this investigation and peace to Autumn's family," said Barrie Police Chief Rich Johnston.
Shaganash is described as five-feet, three-inches tall, weighing 130lbs and has black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Barrie police at 705-725-7025, ext 2160
Banner image: Barrie Police news conference - Feb. 8, 2024 -(Barrie 360 news)
