Toronto police are conducting a land and water search in the area where Dr. Elana Fric-Shamji's body was found on Dec. 1, in hopes of finding a purse and cellphone belonging to the slain physician.

On Thursday, the mother of three's body was returned to her family, police at the scene confirmed to CBC Toronto. Fric-Shamji's husband, neurosurgeon Dr. Mohammed Shamji, is charged with first-degree murder.

Friday's ground search is in the area of Howland Drive and Nashville Road, west of Highway 27, in Vaughan, Ont. A dive team is also searching the creek where a suitcase containing Fric-Shamji's body was found, homicide Det. Andy Singh said.

On Friday, police were searching an area of Vaughan, Ont., looking for evidence. (Nick Boisvert/CBC)

Fric-Shamji died from strangulation and blunt-force trauma.

Singh urged residents to keep an eye out for any items that may belong to Fric-Shamji and contact police if any are found.

'We miss her greatly,' family says

The family of the Scarborough-based family doctor have released a public statement through the Ontario Medical Association that expresses "deepest gratitude for the outpouring of support and prayers at this difficult time.

"We deeply appreciate the support that Elana's children and we as a family have received — it has been a kindness for which we are very thankful," the statement says.

"We would also like to express thanks to the many friends, neighbours and colleagues who have shared their memories of Elana as a wonderful person, mother, and physician. We miss her greatly and these memories mean a great deal to all of us today and every day."

More than $122K raised

Ontario doctors are honouring Fric-Shamji's memory and supporting her children through online donations and a trust fund, the Ontario Medical Association announced earlier this week. More than $122,000 has been raised through the You Caring fundraising campaign.

Fric-Shamji's children remain in the care of her parents.