'We don't want to create hysteria': WRPS assist Toronto's alleged serial killer case

Waterloo Regional Policesay they are collaborating with Toronto police in the investigation intoaccused serial killer BruceMcArthurbutthey don't want the community to be concerned about potential links to Waterloo region.

Local investigators told CBC News there are no links between McArthur who has been charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of five men who disappeared from Toronto's Gay Village and the open missing persons cases in Waterloo region, specifically the 2002 disappearance of Kitchener's David MacDermott.

"There is no information to suggest David MacDermott was involved in the investigation currently being conducted by Toronto Police," Waterloo Regional Police Service Insp. Mike Haffnersaid in an interview Thursday.

"We don't want to create hysteria on something that is completely inaccurate."

'Prudent' they look across Ontario

Haffnersaid Waterloo Regional Police have provided Toronto police with all relevant files about missing persons in the region as part of the investigation intoMcArthur.

He said they have also been in contact with the Ontario Provincial Policeserial predator investigative unit, but maintained there are no current links between any of the cases.

Currently,WRPSis actively investigating17 missing persons cases.

Haffner said investigators handed over those files because they believe it is "prudent" that Toronto police look across Ontario in a case likeMcArthur's.

MeaghanGray, a spokesperson for Toronto Police Service, said in an email to CBCNews Thursdaytheir search "may very well take us outside of Toronto, but we will follow the evidence and work with other police services if/when the time comes."

McArthurinvestigation

As of Thursday, McArthur, 66, has been charged with fivecounts of first-degree murder in the deaths ofSelimEsen, 44,Andrew Kinsman 49, Majeed Kayhan, 58,Soroush Mahmudi, 50, and Dean Lisowick, 47.

All five men went missing from Toronto's Gay Village and their bodies have not been found. None of the charges havebeen provenin court.

MacDermottwas reported missing in November 2002. The 30-year-old had been at Club Renaissance, a gay bar in downtown Kitchener.

It is not known ifMcArthurwas active in Kitchener's gay community.

Haffnersaid the MacDermott case is still open and police will be actively investigating all possible avenues.

Remains of 3 people found

On Monday, investigators said they seized a dozen planters after searching through 30 properties where McArthur a self-employed landscaper may have worked.

After forensic analysis Toronto police said they discovered dismembered skeletal remains belonging to at least three people. They said it will take months for the remains to be identified.