THE OPEN TRUNK

On August 30, 2010, the quiet town of Orangeville, Ontario, woke up to a scene from a thriller. Behind the Town Hall sat a white Toyota Corolla, doors and trunk standing wide open, the rear bumper smeared with fresh blood.

The vehicle belonged to Sonia Varaschin, a 42-year-old pediatric nurse. When investigators proceeded to her townhouse on Spring Street, they discovered a scene of extreme violence, though there were no signs of forced entry.

The Timeline of a Nightmare

The window of the crime is incredibly tight, suggesting the killer knew exactly what they were doing:

• 10:00 PM (Aug 29): Sonia speaks to her boyfriend; everything sounds "normal".
• 2:30 AM (Aug 30): Neighbors are reportedly awakened by the sound of screams followed by a car trunk slamming.
• 8:30 AM (Aug 30): Sonia’s blood-smeared car is discovered behind Orangeville Town Hall.

The Forensic Puzzle: DNA and Dakota Boots

For 15 years, investigators have held onto specific pieces of physical evidence:

1. The DNA: A "minor male profile" was recovered from the scene. New STRmix technology is being used to refine this profile.
2. The Work Boot: A bloody footprint was identified as a size 10, 11, or 12 Dakota or Wind River work boot.
3. The Bedding: Sonia was wrapped in her own cream-colored sheets and comforter, suggesting a crime of opportunity using materials at hand.

"Sonia didn't stand a chance." — Lead Investigators

The Theory: The Known Acquaintance

The lack of forced entry and the killer's familiarity with the disposal site suggest someone in Sonia's immediate orbit—a former lover, coworker, or neighbor who was familiar with her nightly habits.