KITCHENER — Police divers searched ponds, trails and woodlots in a Kitchener nature area Wednesday as part of the investigation into the death of Erin Howlett.

The Elmira woman's body was found July 5 in the Grand River near Riverbend Drive in Kitchener, shortly after the 28-year-old was reported missing.

"At this time, the death is still considered suspicious and (the investigation) is being led by our homicide unit," said Insp. Kevin Thaler of Waterloo Regional Police.

Police made several public appeals for information to assist investigators and searched a Chestnut Street home in Kitchener home on Sept 13.

Police also released images of a green Coach brand purse similar to one Howlett had with her on June 27, the last day she was seen alive. They're asking the public for help in finding Howlett's purse.

In late July, detectives released a photo of man described as a witness.

"We would welcome any information from the public to identify that man and his whereabouts," Thaler said.

Soon after Howlett's body was found, Niagara Regional Police divers searched the Grand River looking for evidence.

Police haven't released details from an autopsy or forensic investigations.

Thaler refused to divulge any details about what police were looking for Wednesday, or the nature of a tip that led them there.

"Of course, information investigators have cannot be shared with the public to protect the integrity of the investigation," he said.

In all, 22 officers were at the 107-hectare Huron Natural Area by noon Wednesday. Six were members of the Ontario Provincial Police underwater search and recovery unit from Gravenhurst. They used metal detectors in two shallow ponds in the conservation area, following ropes marking out their search area in the murky, chest-deep water.

The other 16 were members of the regional police tactical team, who searched along trails and in woodlots in the park, located between Strasburg, Bleams, Fischer-Hallman and Huron roads.

The park remained open as police searched it, leading to some double takes as hikers and runners encountered police officers in the balmy early October day.

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- Kitchener home searched in connection with Howlett case

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