Toronto police have intensified efforts to locate 14-year-old Esther, known as Esti, who vanished from the North York area more than a week ago. The family has asked Global News to release a video interview she gave last year during School Crossing Guard Appreciation Week, hoping it might prompt new tips from the public.
Esther disappeared late on Friday, May 15, from the Earl Bales Park area around 11:15 p.m. Authorities reported spotting her shortly after midnight on May 16, roughly two kilometres south near Bathurst Street and Hotspur Road. She is described as five feet two inches tall with a medium build, brown hair, and was last seen in a turquoise sweater with words on the front and grey sweatpants, without shoes.
In the June 4, 2025, interview, Esther spoke warmly about her crossing guard of six years, Michelle Marshall. “If you wanted me to name specifics, she’s kind, she’s caring, she’s giving, like she’s the kind of girl who will sit and listen to you for hours,” she said while describing Marshall. She also urged classmates to cheer, saying, “Guys, raise your hand if you think Michelle is the best crossing guard!” as the crowd erupted in screams.
Marshall later told media about their close bond. “If she had trouble in school with somebody, she’d always tell the principal, you know, ‘I want to go outside and talk to Michelle, she can calm me down,’ which was nice,” Marshall said. “It was very nice to have her around me. She’s a very pleasant young lady.”
Esther’s mother, Shira, emphasized the connection. “Esti loves her dearly and she loves Esti dearly, and she has been one of those people that I could always go to for help, or Esti could go to for help or if she needed something,” Shira said. The family noted that Esther is on the autism spectrum and described her as vulnerable.
Her father, Joseph, highlighted her intelligence. “If you just had a conversation with her, you’d have no clue that she was on the spectrum. You’d think she was just a genius and very articulate,” he said. “You might think she’s a 25-year-old and not that she’s 14 years old. That’s really how it affects her. It just makes her smarter and she thinks 10 steps ahead of everybody else.”
Shira expressed concern about her daughter’s trusting nature. “She’s very, very smart. I worry that she’s going to be too trusting, that somebody will have ill intentions. I don’t know where she is, so it’s really, really concerning,” she said. The family has issued multiple public appeals for assistance in the search.
Toronto police have launched a Level 1 search, the highest level, mobilizing units including marine, canine, and mounted officers. Over the weekend, they released a new security camera image showing Esther in a restaurant on May 15. A dedicated tip line has been set up at 647-355-4148, and the public can submit video or photos via a QR code linked to the Toronto Police Service evidence submission portal.
The release of the year-old interview aims to show Esther interacting naturally, potentially jogging memories of anyone who may have seen her recently. Officials continue to urge anyone with information to come forward as the search enters its second week.
Community members in the North York area have joined in distributing flyers and sharing details on social media. Local schools where Esther was known have also been contacted as part of the broader outreach effort.
Police have not confirmed any specific leads from the new image or video but continue to review all submissions. The family remains hopeful that increased visibility will lead to Esther’s safe return.
Esther’s case has drawn attention to resources available for families of missing youth on the autism spectrum. Support organizations have offered guidance on communication strategies during such searches.
As of the latest updates, the investigation remains active with no confirmed sightings beyond the initial reports. Authorities ask residents to check any available footage from the relevant dates and locations.