As they continued their search for a missing Orangeville woman on Thursday, police told her family to brace for the worst. 

Investigators now believe 42-year-old Sonia Varaschin was murdered by someone she knew, although they're disputing a report that suggested her body was dismembered at her home.

Varachin was reported missing Monday when she didn’t show up at work. Her abandoned and blood-smeared car was found parked in an alley near Orangeville’s main square Monday morning with its doors and trunk reportedly open. Police later found blood at her home and announced Wednesday she’d met with foul play.

Investigators released images of a white van that was in the area where Varaschin’s car was found appealing for the driver to contact them. The motorist contacted police but didn’t have any information that could help.

Varaschin’s boyfriend of over a year has been questioned and ruled out as a suspect.

As the long weekend approaches, police are asking local residents to check their properties for any signs of Varaschin.

"This is not only an urban area but a rural one as well and we ask any homeowner or any property owner in the rural areas to have a look at their properties and report to us anything that may be suspicious,” Orangeville Police Chief Joseph Tomei said.

According to a published report, Varaschin was a nurse who specializes in treating neurological disorders and worked at a summer camp for teens with epilepsy. She worked at the Hospital for Sick Children until 2008 and then relocated to a Newmarket hospital.

Varaschin is described as:

• 5'1",
• 125lbs.
• Brown hair with light brown streaks
  

A tip line has been set up in this case. If you have any information call (519) 941-2522, ext. 2211 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

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