Recovered/Located Canada - April Burkle, 34, from Texas, missing in Toronto, 21 Oct 2019

[JerseyGirl]

April Burkle, also known as April Smith, was last seen Monday, Oct. 21 in Toronto, Ontario.

She is 5 feet and 4 inches tall and weighs 135 pounds. Burkle has brown hair and brown eyes. She has a nose piercing and visible tattoos: wings, semicolon and anchor on her wrist.

Burkle lost her two sons in the 2014 EF4 tornado in Vilonia, Ark.

Friend and family of April said she was reportedly last seen by someone she knows on Thursday, October 10 at the Toronto Airport, allegedly checked into the Fairmont hotel. They said hasn’t been seen or heard from by any friends or relatives since, aside from a Facebook post in downtown Toronto on the Oct. 11.

Friends and family also said it is reported that police had an interaction with her during a search for a local elopee, which is a subject absent without leave from commital to a mental institution. They found the elopee and Burkle near the Drake hotel by Queen Street and Ossington Ave on Monday, Oct 21.

Woman who lost 2 children in 2014 Vilonia tornado reported missing in Toronto

 

[rainynights]

International search for missing woman whose children died in 2014 Vilonia tornado

[...]

After Burkle was reported missing, Toronto police officers noted that they had seen her on October 21. When they searched for a man who had walked away from a behavioral health hospital, they found her with him. According to Cauthen, officers brought her to their substation because they felt she had a calming influence on him. But without any reason to be concerned about her, they let her go.

“The last place she was seen was Toronto, but we’re not 100 percent sure that’s still where she is,” Cauthen stated. “She honestly could be anywhere.”

 

[Tealgrove]

Do we know why April is in Toronto? That might help find her if we know why?

 

[Gardener1850]

April has been added to NAMUS (as a missing case out of Texas): The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

Circumstances
Date of Last Contact October 10, 2019
NamUs Case Created October 26, 2019
Last Known Location Map
Location Spring, Texas
Harris County

Circumstances of Disappearance
April left her home in Spring, Texas for Toronto, Canada. It is alleged that April met her boyfriend at the airport and fled in a cab following an argument. A text message was sent from her phone saying she wanted to be left alone and that was the last time anyone has heard from her. It is confirmed through law enforcement that Burkle did arrive in Canada.

Tattoo
Wings on left wrist

 

[dotr]

rbbm.
Toronto police seeking missing American whose two children died in a 2014 tornado | The Star
"Burkle was supposed to get a drive with her friend to Hamilton, but ended up refusing the ride.

She instead hopped in a cab bound for downtown Toronto, said Cauthen, who has been friends with Burkle for nearly a decade and was her neighbour in the small town of Vilonia, Ark.

Friends and family haven’t heard from Burkle since she left Houston, Cauthen said.

Burkle was severely injured in the Arkansas tornado that killed her kids — aged 7 and 9 at the time — more than five years ago, according to her friend.

Cauthen believes that Burkle has suffered from PTSD since losing her children and that it “might have had an effect on some of her decision making,” over the past week, telling the Star that “something may have gotten triggered when she was on the plane.”

“I really don’t know where she is as far as her mental state right now,” Cauthen said."
"On Oct. 21, Cauthen said Burkle accompanied 44-year-old Troy Warner to a Toronto police station. Police had earlier issued a news release asking for the public’s assistance in locating Warner, who had last been seen near Queen Street West and Ossington Avenue.

Warner was reported to be an “elopee,” which is how police describe a patient subject to detention at a psychiatric facility who leaves without permission."
The person referenced was the subject of this thread, he has since been located..
Recovered/Located - Troy Warner, 44,Toronto(Queen/Ossington) *Escapee*20 Oct 2019

 

[dotr]

2 days ago
Toronto Police Service
Toronto Police Service :: News Release #45656
52 Division
416-808-5200
Case #: 2019-2069357
The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance locating a missing woman.

April Burkle, 34, was last seen on Tuesday, October 22, 2019, in the area of Peter Street and Queen Street West

She is described as 5'5", 140 lbs., a medium build, with long brown hair, and brown eyes.

Police are concerned for her safety.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.


For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

 

[Tealgrove]

So she arrived at Pearson where it sounds like her boyfriend was waiting for her. They got into a fight and she hopped in a cab and ended up in downtown Toronto somewhere. She then, somehow, managed to befriend an "escapee" essentially from a Mental Hospital in Toronto. I'm thinking another CAMH wanderer.

How she befriended this guy I have no idea. How did she end up in that area of the City? That's not where I would go. The escapee is caught by LE and April is with him. Both get taken to the Police Station but April is allowed to leave. I get it - she didn't do anything and there was no reason to keep her.

Does she have money? Has she got the ability to stay in a hotel/motel? Food? It's pretty miserable in Toronto right now. Cold and rainy. I hope she's not on the streets.

US Customs would know if she reentered the US. If they don't have anything there then she must still be in Canada somewhere.

Has she accessed her bank account? Used Credit Cards? Is her phone on or off? Can it be traced at this point? Does she know anyone else in Toronto?

They probably should be looking in the Shelters in Toronto.

Her situation is very sad. I'd be worried about her mental state as well.

I hope she is inside and safe.

 

[dotr]

Wondering if April might seek out a church? rbbm.
T.O. cops worried about missing Texas woman who lost sons in tornado
"Burkle was also badly injured in the tornado and for months was confined to a wheelchair.

Cauthen said her friend suffers from PTSD.

Friends say Burkle moved to Houston about a year ago and came to Canada on Oct. 10 to visit a friend in Hamilton but then refused to go with her pal.

Instead she took a taxi and checked into a hotel."

"On her birthday, Oct. 23, she failed to respond to friends and family sending their well-wishes.

Police have said they had found her with a man who walked away from CAMH".

"After the tragedy, Cauthen added that her friend’s faith helped her cope with the magnitude of her loss."

"And so, I do believe,” Cauthen said, “that, wherever she is, that she’s continuing in prayer and that the Lord will lead us to find her and bring her back to her home safe.”

 

[Gardener1850]

I wonder about the status of her relationship with her "boyfriend" that she flew to Canada to meet but argued with at the airport. Is this someone she met online and decided to take a chance of flying up there to meet? Or is he someone she dated in the past who happened to relocate to Canada and they continued the relationship long distance? Was this a long term relationship or a new relationship? What did they argue about that made her flee from him in a cab and check into a hotel? If she only knew him online, then I'm wondering if she could have been catfished by the "boyfriend". Perhaps he wasn't what he portrayed online when she arrived and met him in person?

MOO.

 

[Tealgrove]

This is very worrisome.

Maybe they should be checking hospitals as well. Since she has PTSD she may be having a serious break and needed hospitalization.

The church angle is good. I wonder what else would comfort her or would be something she would seek out.

She may have left the downtown core. Hotels/motels are pretty expensive long term. She'd do better outside of the city.

Oh April, where are you?

 

[dotr]

Good video in ARK. news
Mom who lost 2 young sons in Vilonia tornado now missing
"Both Burkle and Cauthen lived on Cody Lane in April 2014 when the storm destroyed every home on their street. Burkle and her husband at the time, along with their two sons Tyler and Cameron, tried to take cover under a mattress. The tornado tore apart their home leaving only the concrete foundation, both boys were killed. At ages 7 and 9, they were the youngest victims of the storm.

As Burkle recovered from her injuries, she became an advocate for suvivors in the community. She spread she message about the power of faith across the country, many times aimed at helping other moms who also lost children.

In an interview a month after the storm, she told KARK:

“As a parent, knowing my kids are in the best hands ever and safe, I just have to endure what’s best for us because we are walking miracles. I’m sad, I miss them every moment , but I know where they are and I know I’ll see them again.”

It’s that same faith pushing Cauthen forward. She got a phone number just for tips, hoping one of the calls will be the answer she’s waiting for.

“I believe that she’s [Burkle’s] going to come home safely with everything in me,” she said.

The FBI, US Consulate in Toronto, and Toronto Police Department are investigating.

They’re asking people in Toronto, Houston, and Central Arkansas to be on the lookout for Burkle.

Anyone with information about Burkle’s whereabouts can call their local law enforcement or one of the following numbers:

Tip Line: (501) 269-0770
Toronto Police: (416) 808-2222
Crimestoppers: 1-800-222-8577 or online at 222tips.com"

 

[Tealgrove]

I wonder about the status of her relationship with her "boyfriend" that she flew to Canada to meet but argued with at the airport. Is this someone she met online and decided to take a chance of flying up there to meet? Or is he someone she dated in the past who happened to relocate to Canada and they continued the relationship long distance? Was this a long term relationship or a new relationship? What did they argue about that made her flee from him in a cab and check into a hotel? If she only knew him online, then I'm wondering if she could have been catfished by the "boyfriend". Perhaps he wasn't what he portrayed online when she arrived and met him in person?

MOO.

I wonder about all of that as well. According to one of the articles upthread, the friend is from Hamilton. Hamilton is west of Toronto. She went east right into the City of Toronto. Where she was found is not a horrible part of the city but it's not the nicest that's for sure. It's just an odd place for someone to go if you don't live there.

Born and bred in Toronto myself (live in Hamilton area now) and I would have no reason to go to that area. CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health) is in this area. Could she have said to the Taxi Driver that she needed help and took her there?

 

[Gardener1850]

I wonder about all of that as well. According to one of the articles upthread, the friend is from Hamilton. Hamilton is west of Toronto. She went east right into the City of Toronto. Where she was found is not a horrible part of the city but it's not the nicest that's for sure. It's just an odd place for someone to go if you don't live there.

Born and bred in Toronto myself (live in Hamilton area now) and I would have no reason to go to that area. CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health) is in this area. Could she have said to the Taxi Driver that she needed help and took her there?

If she went to that Center and said she was having issues would they admit her for observation/treatment even though she is American? What are the Canadian rules about privacy at Mental Health facilities? I know in most facilities in the US the employees would not be allowed to tell anyone she was a patient unless she authorized a specific person (such as a family member or her primary care physician) to know. Could she be receiving treatment somewhere and not want to be found?

On the other hand, would the FBI be involved in a case of a US citizen missing abroad due to a possible mental health issue (PTSD)? I'm not sure. Her decision-making might be clouded by PTSD but I feel like there is probably more to her disappearance than that. I hope I'm wrong and I hope she is either off enjoying a vacation without realizing all the panic she has caused or getting some kind help she needs. I hope she turns up safe. MOO.

 

[Tealgrove]

If she went to that Center and said she was having issues would they admit her for observation/treatment even though she is American? What are the Canadian rules about privacy at Mental Health facilities? I know in most facilities in the US the employees would not be allowed to tell anyone she was a patient unless she authorized a specific person (such as a family member or her primary care physician) to know. Could she be receiving treatment somewhere and not want to be found?

On the other hand, would the FBI be involved in a case of a US citizen missing abroad due to a possible mental health issue (PTSD)? I'm not sure. Her decision-making might be clouded by PTSD but I feel like there is probably more to her disappearance than that. I hope I'm wrong and I hope she is either off enjoying a vacation without realizing all the panic she has caused or getting some kind help she needs. I hope she turns up safe. MOO.

I'm not sure about CAMH. Typically, and I could be wrong, but the people who are admitted there are the sickest of the sick, i.e., paranoid schizophrenics and people who have committed terrible crimes and been deemed "not criminally responsible". I don't mean that in a derogatory sense. These are very ill people that require intensive mental health treatment.

A taxi driver would not know that, and I could be wrong on all of that, but that's my impression. They have outpatient clinics and drop in centres that anyone can attend. So it's entirely possible she did that and no one would know.

If she were in mental distress, a regular hospital might admit if she were really in a bad way and deemed to be a danger to herself whether she is American or not. She would get a bill because she doesn't have insurance.

If they knew who she was, they would report it to Police as she is listed as a missing person. The story of April is now out there in the Toronto Newspapers. However, if she is cognitively OK and says she doesn't want anyone to know, then I believe they would advise Police and her family would be notified that she doesn't want to be found.

I'm not entirely sure how this would go. I have some experience with Mental Health and the rules around what can be divulged or not. My nephew is Bipolar. He went to drop ins at CAMH until he could get into a Psychiatrist. No names, no nothing. Just drop in and talk.

MOO

 

[MissMalowe]

The Drake hotel with the eloper? Definitely not a seedy place, that's actually a pretty nice hotel. >$230 per night on weekdays (slow times)

 

[mlhenn]

MISSING: April Burkle – Toronto, Canada (10/21/19)

Additional site

 

[mlhenn]

T.O. cops worried about missing Texas woman who lost sons in tornado

Police have said they had found her with a man who walked away from CAMH.

Cauthen said she had a calming effect on the man.

And then she walked away.

IMO, this almost gives a different vibe on how she was (mentally/emotionally)...like she was good, just helping a guy out who wasn’t doing so well.
(But of course, they makes it even more confusing for me)

 

[mlhenn]

Do we know who this pal is that she flew to Canada to see? A name?
Sorry; I may have read over it

 

[dotr]

Toronto police search for missing American whose children died in tornado
"Before she went missing, Cauthen said that Burkle, who is fluent in American Sign Language, was taking care of her mother in Houston who is deaf."

"Cauthen said the Toronto Police Service contacted Burkle’s aunt in Houston after Warner and Burkle were taken to the police station.

She said that police were trying to identify Burkle, who had no identification or cellphone on her."
rbbm

 

[mlhenn]

Toronto police search for missing American whose children died in tornado

Sorry, I’m just trying to make sense of everything. So forgive me if I seem to ramble or repeat what’s already been asked.

So she was taken to the police station on Oct 21, because she was with the eloped & had a calming effect on him but was soon released?
Then was said to be last seen the next day Oct 22?
She was reportedly last seen in the area of Peter Street and Queen Street West (which happens to be near where the eloped was last seen before being taken to police department the day before/ Queen Street West and Ossington Avenue)?
What’s significant/located in this area?