Police hope U.S. TV show helps them find Toronto girl
Last Updated: Sunday, November 2, 2003 | 12:23 AM ET
CBC News
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The program America's Most Wanted reviewed the case of the girl, who was taken from her bedroom in the middle of the night. She was reported missing Oct. 20, shortly after her parents went to wake her up for school.
The television segment lasted only a couple of minutes, but it was probably watched by about 10 million people, based on past ratings.
Police said they're hoping someone who knows Cecilia's whereabouts will phone in a tip.
The detective leading the investigation, Sgt. Dave Perry, was flown to Washington to evaluate any calls that might come in.
Perry was interviewed during the story, which did not include any new information. He said evidence at the house suggests "there's good potential that there was more than one suspect involved in this abduction," but did not elaborate.
The motive may have been ransom money, the sergeant said.
"Historically, there have been kidnappings in the Asian community and that's one of the reasons we are going down that particular avenue right now with the investigation."
As part of the story, America's Most Wanted broadcast a direct message to Cecilia from her parents, Raymond Zhang and Sherry Xu.
"Cecilia, we are hoping you can watch this show. You know how much we care about you, you know how much we love you. So be strong and we will do our best to get you back soon," Zhang said.
The parents delivered a similar message during an emotional news conference in Toronto Oct. 25. Xu also wrote an open letter to three Chinese newspaper in Toronto last weekend, begging whoever was holding Cecilia to let her go.
- CECILIA'S ABDUCTION: Open letter from mother
The reward for Cecilia's return is now $85,000. Toronto police have put up $50,000 in reward money, and the city's Chinese community has raised another $35,000.
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