A 30-year-old from Brampton is now facing kidnapping charges after being arrested as a suspect in the brutal abduction of 37-year-old Elnaz Hajtamiri from a home in Wasaga Beach.
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) announced today that Krystal P. Lawrence was arrested and charged with kidnapping on March 16. Lawrence has been released with conditions and is to appear in court to face the charges on May 2.
An OPP spokesperson said the decision on whether to release a person after arrest depends on various factors including public safety and the integrity of the investigation.
"It was determined that this individual would be released with conditions and an order to appear in court at a later date," said Agata Czajowski, strategic communications officer for the OPP in an email to CollingwoodToday. "The OPP feels this satisfies any public safety concerns."
Hajtamiri was abducted Jan. 12, 2022 at approximately 8:30 p.m. from a Wasaga Beach residence by three suspects dressed in fake police gear. They fled in a white Lexus RX SUV. She has not been seen or heard from since.
Police are still looking for Deshawn Davis, 35, of Toronto, and the warrant for his arrest remains. Police announced earlier this month Davis was wanted as a suspect in the abduction case. Davis is currently at-large and police are asking for the public's help in finding him.
Police released four photos of three suspects on Feb. 16, 2023, who are believed to be involved in the abduction.
"In addition, police are still looking to identify one, or potentially two, individuals of interest who rented vehicles in December 2021," states the news release issued by police on March 17. "They are not suspects in the kidnapping, but police would like to speak with them as they may have information related to this case. A $100,000 joint OPP and York Regional Police reward is still available for anyone with information that will lead to Elnaz's whereabouts."
Hajtamiri is about five-foot-three-inches (160 cm) and with a slim build and shoulder-length black hair.
On Dec. 20, 2021, Hajtamiri was attacked and struck with a frying pan in her underground parking garage on King William Crescent, near Yonge Street and Bantry Avenue. She suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Since then, five people have been arrested in connection with that attack.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit tips online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca/
READ MORE: Woman abducted from Wasaga was violently attacked weeks before: family
