Search for missing Edmonton researcher continues

EDMONTON – Edmonton police and RCMP are continuing their investigation into the disappearance of Anina Hundsdoerfer, who was reported missing by her roommate just over two weeks ago.

On Monday, RCMP officers and police dogs focused their search efforts on a wooded area along Forestry Trunk Road (Highway 734). That’s where Hundsdoerfer’s blue, two-door 2005 Toyota Echo was found on Tuesday, March 25.

The search team covered a lot of ground, despite the amount of snow in the area, but found no trace of the missing 32-year-old. Searching the area again once the snow melts has not been ruled out as a possibility down the road.

It’s believed Hundsdoerfer’s last known location was the office where she works, near 99 Ave. and 108 St., between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on March 22.

Police say they still have no indication of why Hundsdoerfer left Edmonton, and are appealing to the public for help.

“If they saw her or her vehicle, particularly between the time she disappeared on Saturday [March 23]…and the time when the vehicle was found on Tuesday, March 25. We’d appreciate any tips from the public in that regard,” said Sgt. Neil Zurawell with the EPS Missing Persons Unit.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "If they saw her or her vehicle, particularly between the time she disappeared on Saturday [March 23]…and the time when the vehicle was found on Tuesday, March 25. We'd appreciate any tips from the public in that regard," said Sgt. Neil Zurawell with the EPS Missing Persons Unit.

“We have no indications of foul play at this point,” he added, “but we’re keeping an open mind as we go forward in the investigation, trying to exhaust all avenues to see if we can figure out why she disappeared.”

The disappearance is considered to be out of character for Hundsdoerfer.

“We are extremely concerned for Anina’s well-being and need to find her,” said her roommate, Caroline Hendley.

She and other friends aren’t giving up hope that they will soon be reunited with Hundsdoerfer. On Sunday, they were planning on plastering the area where her car was found with missing person posters and billboards.

READ MORE: Friends continue to search for missing Edmonton woman

“We are doing everything we can. Posters make the search more visible and might jog someone’s memory. Any information at all at this point could help us find her,” appealed Hendley.

A Facebook page has been set up to raise awareness about Hundsdoerfer’s disappearance.

She is described as Caucasian, about 5’9’’and 160 lbs, with brown, shoulder-length hair and blue eyes. It’s believed she was last wearing a long, burgundy winter coat, dark pants and glasses.

Anyone with information that may help locate Hundsdoerfer is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone, or the RCMP Rocky Mountain House Detachment at 403-845-2881. Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.