Body found in garbage bag was a woman, case is now a homicide, Toronto police say

Toronto police say a woman's body was found in a garbage bag in the city's east end on Monday and the case is now considered a homicide.

Police said on Tuesdaythere were"obvious signs of trauma to the body, including some dismemberment" when it was located near Eastern and Berkshire avenues.

The woman has not yet been identified.

At a news conference near the scene, Det. Sgt. Christopher Ruhlofthehomicide unit told reportersthe womanwas light-skinned, aboutfive foot two, and 118 pounds.She had short, dark, shoulder length hair. There's no word on her ethnicity, he said.

Ruhl said police estimate her age to be anywhere from her 20s to 40s.

Police have releasedimages ofa "distinct design and colour" found onthewoman's fingernails and toenails. They're hopingmembers of the public, or a nail salon where she was a customer, can identify her.

Police have alsoreleased images of a label design that was on the victim's long-sleeved, red Armani Exchange shirt.

Ruhl said officers from 55 Division have done a thorough canvass of the area for witnesses and videos.Police are still reviewing video, he said.

"At this point in time, it is undetermined if this female isfrom specifically thisarea," Ruhl said.

Next of kin havenot yet been identified.

A memberof the public discovered the body on Monday and called 911. There were several garbage bags in the area.

Police are urging anyone who saw a person pushing a foldableshopping cart filled withblack garbagebags between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Mondayto come forward. They alsowantanyone who was driving eastbound or westbound on Eastern Avenue at that time and who has dashboardvideoto contact them.

The victim was found on the south side of Eastern Avenue, police said. She is Toronto's 17th homicide victim of the year.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at (416) 808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at (416) 222-TIPS (8477).