Charges upgraded in Victoria Stafford case

OPP NEWS RELEASE

************************* Upgraded charge in Stafford investigation

WOODSTOCK, ON - (May 28) - As investigators actively continue their work on the investigation into the abduction/ murder of eight-year-old Victoria Stafford, they are releasing the following information on the charges and search for Victoria's body. Police advise that 18-year-old Terri-Lynne McClintic is now facing an upgraded charge from accessory after the fact to murder to a charge of first-degree murder under the Criminal Code.

Starting today, members of the OPP emergency response teams will return to the landfill site located east of Salford, Ontario.

Also, a further extensive search of the 401 Highway corridor between Woodstock and Guelph will be started. Detective Inspector Renton stated: "The investigative team is working hard and is utilizing all available resources to help locate the body of Victoria Stafford." Police investigators continue to ask area property owners within a 50-minute drive of the City of Guelph to check their fields and report any suspicious or significant changes they notice to landscape or familiar landmarks. Investigators also continue to seek the assistance of the public who may recall seeing the suspect vehicle and/or suspects either in the City of Woodstock, Guelph and surrounding area.

The vehicle is described as a 2003 Honda four-door car, blue with black spray paint over portions of the vehicle. Police describe the interior of the vehicle as being a grey-coloured cloth material and are seeking help from the public in locating the entire rear seat [shown] of this vehicle that had been removed.

If located, police ask that you report it to police immediately and without physically touching it, try to protect it from the elements until investigators can attend the scene. An extensive search for the remains of Victoria Stafford continues.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Oxford Community Police at 519-537-2323 or toll free at 1-877-537-6277, their local police, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information about this case can be found on the OPP Missing Persons and Unidentified Bodies website at www.opp.ca or at www.oxfordcommunitypolice.on.ca or America's Most Wanted, www.amw.com or gtasmostwanted.com.

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