Friends and family of missing Belleville, Ont. woman Deborah Rashotte say they are getting worried after not hearing from the 27-year-old for more than a month.
But local police say there is "absolutely no connection" with her disappearance and the murder of Jessica Lloyd, a second 27-year-old Belleville woman who was found murdered early last week.
Rashotte was reported missing by her family on Feb. 11, Belleville Police said Saturday. She was last seen about a month ago near St. Thomas Church in downtown Belleville. Authorities say the woman has a history of running away for weeks at a time.
Rashotte's family told CTV Toronto off camera that they agree with police that the missing woman likely didn't meet with foul play.
Lloyd also went missing in late January. Her family reported her missing the next day when she failed to show up for work.
Former CFB Trenton commander Col. Russell Williams, 46, has been charged with first degree murder in Lloyd's death. He also faces a murder charge in the death of Cpl. Marie-France Comeau, a 38-year-old Air Force flight attendant who was found murdered in her Brighton home in late November, as well as two sexual assaults in the area.
News of Rashotte's disappearance just a day after Lloyd was laid to rest put a reeling community on edge.
"It makes me a little bit nervous in light of recent events that have occurred," said local resident Catharine Mullin.
Rashotte is about 5-foot-7 and weighs about 130 pounds. She has long red hair and blue eyes. When last seen, she was said to be wearing a white jacket.
Anyone with information about Rashotte's whereabouts is asked to contact the Belleville Police Service at 613-966-0882.
