CANADA Canada- Eli Wood, 25, student@ Sir Wilfred Laurier Univ., missing after fire (poss. arson)@ home, Kitchener, Ont.,19 Oct., 2025, *Foul play suspected*

[Claroon]

(speculative pondering to help try to make sense of the case and perhaps help someone think of something related - if so report your tip to local law enforcement).

@Mayjusticeprevail
Since we are considering multiple scenarios, yes hate crime could be one. I have read that those involved in hate crime want to erase the sanctuary of the person they hate (thus arson possibility). You are correct in a police tip about potential anti-2SLGBTQIA+ disruptions to local events, and that some events were moved online or cancelled as a precaution. What it does not establish is a connection between those warnings and the arson / disappearance of EW.

As of now, I haven’t seen WRPS state publicly that they are investigating this case as a hate crime, or that the Major Street fire is linked to those specific threats. For now it is background information.

Questions to ponder:
How was access to EW’s residence obtained and at what time?
Was the fire intended to conceal or destroy evidence- what type?
Could the timing connect to broader threats in the region that week?
What digital communications or professional links might be relevant? I feel this search will prove the most beneficial.

Speculation only:
Digital communications could include emails, texts, or social media messages.
Professional links might involve university contacts, research collaborators, or community organizations.

Speculation only:
If hate crime was a factor, digital communications could have been used to harass or lure or groom EW.
No direct evidence of this has been reported, but the timing of anti‑2SLGBTQIA+ threats in the region makes it worth considering.

 

[Mayjusticeprevail]

Some visuals to share in terms of map to show where the home of EW is located to get a sense of the area.
There are quite a few industrial businesses, a towing company, residential homes.

link to map: 25 Major St · 25 Major St, Kitchener, ON N2H 4R1, Canada

 

[Claroon]

Some visuals to share in terms of map to show where the home of EW is located to get a sense of the area.
There are quite a few industrial businesses, a towing company, residential homes.

link to map: 25 Major St · 25 Major St, Kitchener, ON N2H 4R1, Canada

Yes, those industrial buildings and scrap yard are troublesome. Too easy to hide anything!!!

 

[Mayjusticeprevail]

Yes, those industrial buildings and scrap yard are troublesome. Too easy to hide anything!!!

Hopefully those properties have been searched.

 

[Claroon]

Hopefully those properties have been searched.

Maybe have a drone fly over, but what is being looked for? Let's say a perp threw 'evidence - his own boots, gloves...over the fence' how in that pile would they be found? Is it safe to walk along a fenceline inside there? I looked at a closeup on Google.

 

[Mayjusticeprevail]

Maybe have a drone fly over, but what is being looked for? Let's say a perp threw 'evidence - his own boots, gloves...over the fence' how in that pile would they be found? Is it safe to walk along a fenceline inside there? I looked at a closeup on Google.

View attachment 631221

I’ve wondered the same. It’s so difficult to comprehend why such searches were not done immediately.

Today’s article shows no updates from LE.

 

[Mayjusticeprevail]

Lots to think about. And I did consider this as I've seen others on FB ask similar questions. Here are some good questions:
Questions (Speculation only):
1. If this case involved a patient, how would that person have known EW’s address?
2. Would this individual have had the reasoning or planning ability to break in, disappear EW, set a fire and erase evidence?
3. Would unrequited affection alone explain the destruction of devices, or does that point to a deeper motive and perhaps the devices were destroyed as a byproduct of the arson?
4. Might an emotional grievance overlap with digital connections, combining rejection with wanting to conceal the relationship?

Other than patient, could there be unrequited infatuation by someone else from EW's past or present in real life interactions?

Speculation only — **shared to explore possible patterns and in hopes someone may connect a dot or have an idea of where EW is and who the perp is.

More questions on the motive for disappearance of EW (Speculation only)

5. Might EW have been targeted because of something they knew about or were involved with in an academic, professional or volunteer capacity that would cause an individual to fail, loose their job or a leadership role?

6. After being watched and followed in summer from nearby parking lot and the vehicle following them May 17, EW posted on Reddit about feeling uneasy and considering using a ride apps. If that was done then tracking down those rides could turn up leads. A driver may have noticed something unusual/suspicious when dropping EW off or picking them up. Not sure if that’s possible.

 

[Claroon]

More questions on the motive for disappearance of EW (Speculation only)

5. Might EW have been targeted because of something they knew about or were involved with in an academic, professional or volunteer capacity that would cause an individual to fail, loose their job or a leadership role?

6. After being watched and followed in summer from nearby parking lot and the vehicle following them May 17, EW posted on Reddit about feeling uneasy and considering using a ride apps. If that was done then tracking down those rides could turn up leads. A driver may have noticed something unusual/suspicious when dropping EW off or picking them up. Not sure if that’s possible.

Indeed, possible scenarios.

Thus, the importance of digital evidence. Even after a subpoena is issued, tech companies may take weeks to process and deliver data. Two months can feel long, but apparently, in digital investigations, that’s not unusual.

If they are relying on physical evidence, what else can they consider? Was everything fingerprinted?

No one knows the intent yet. Kidnapping? A confrontation or meetup that escalated unexpectedly? A random hostile actor, especially given the anti‑2SLGBTQIA+ threats in the region that week? Was the arson preplanned, or an afterthought?

 

[Claroon]

I happened upon EW's social media Facebook account and learned he had moved to start school in Sept. 2024. I also learned Oct 6, 2025 he needed money to be able to finish the semester and move home. Needed $700 by Nov 1 and total needed $4,000.
(Sharing for timeline context only. No speculation intended.)

 

[Claroon]

However, Adding this (bbm):
Oct 6, 2025 Facebook post about needing funds was set to public and there were 5 shares.
This means anyone; not just FB friends could see it. It raises the question of whether someone might have exploited that vulnerability. This request was posted a mere 2 weeks before EW disappeared.

Potential predators
• Scammers, opportunists, or people looking to exploit someone in need.
• Individuals inside his circle who had both knowledge of his situation and access to him.
• Who knew about his financial need and how did they respond?
• Did he reject an offer that escalated into violence?
• Were there any new contacts or interactions in the days between Oct 6 and Oct 19?
• Could the arson have been an attempt to conceal evidence of such a conflict?

 

[Mayjusticeprevail]

However, Adding this (bbm):
Oct 6, 2025 Facebook post about needing funds was set to public and there were 5 shares.
This means anyone; not just FB friends could see it. It raises the question of whether someone might have exploited that vulnerability. This request was posted a mere 2 weeks before EW disappeared.
View attachment 631426

Potential predators
• Scammers, opportunists, or people looking to exploit someone in need.
• Individuals inside his circle who had both knowledge of his situation and access to him.
• Who knew about his financial need and how did they respond?
• Did he reject an offer that escalated into violence?
• Were there any new contacts or interactions in the days between Oct 6 and Oct 19?
• Could the arson have been an attempt to conceal evidence of such a conflict?

That looks very important to look into.
I recall seeing news coverage with KW LE speaking on camera that they wanted anyone with information as to who EW was in communication with in the 2 weeks prior to disappearance.

Hopefully this has been or will be looked into as well.

 

[Claroon]

He had created his own GoFundMe and mentioned he HAD collected $550 outside of the GoFundMe.
(reporting for interest sake)

 

[dotr]

Dec 17, 2025

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/eli-wood-missing-reward-information-family-9.7019541

''Now, Wood's family is offering a $5,000 reward for information on where Wood is and to bring him home safely.

Cindy Wood Amero, Eli Wood's mother, has declined media interviews, but in posts on Facebook, urges people to keep searching for Eli.

"Someone must have information. I never imagined I'd have to rely on strangers to help me with my children, but I'm imploring you to please help — don't give up," Wood Amero wrote in a Dec. 14 post.

"My child deserves every ounce of love and support possible. Eli is an exceptionally kind and compassionate individual who would never hesitate to help others in this situation."

"When it is appropriate and responsible to do so, additional details and updates will be released publicly."

 

[dotr]

‘This family’s time stopped’: $5K reward offered as search continues for Eli Wood

In a social media post shared on Tuesday evening, the family said a $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Wood’s whereabouts.

www.ctvnews.ca

December 17, 2025

''No new details have been shared about the investigation, including why foul play is believed to be involved.''
''In a social media post shared on Tuesday evening, the family said the lack of answers has been especially difficult as the holidays pass and colder weather sets in.

“Two months ago. Two months of unanswered questions. Two months of a family waking up every single day without knowing where their child is. While the world moved on, this family’s time stopped,” the post read in part.''

 

[Claroon]

I’ve wondered the same. It’s so difficult to comprehend why such searches were not done immediately.

Today’s article shows no updates from LE.

I looked via Google street maps of many areas in that neighbourhood and there are so many sheds, bins, industrial locations with equipment! I hope individual industries and homeowners are looking around.

 

[Mayjusticeprevail]

‘This family’s time stopped’: $5K reward offered as search continues for Eli Wood

In a social media post shared on Tuesday evening, the family said a $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Wood’s whereabouts.

www.ctvnews.ca

December 17, 2025
View attachment 631473
''No new details have been shared about the investigation, including why foul play is believed to be involved.''
''In a social media post shared on Tuesday evening, the family said the lack of answers has been especially difficult as the holidays pass and colder weather sets in.

“Two months ago. Two months of unanswered questions. Two months of a family waking up every single day without knowing where their child is. While the world moved on, this family’s time stopped,” the post read in part.''

It’s truly frustrating that LE have not provided any updates that explains motive or brings in suspects for questioning? With family posting a reward for tips they clearly are not getting any useful updates from LE and are left in the dark.

By now there should be no excuse in terms of them knowing all incoming and outgoing calls and text messages for the 2 weeks prior to disappearance and arson. And by now they would have access to all personal email and social media account correspondence known as well plus other apps for communication such as WhatsApp, Reddit, GoFundMe etc.

What will it take to get LE to admit they are in over their heads and bump this up to a high profile case to get OPP on board with posting a $50,000 reward to solve the case?

IMHO LE have let down the EW from day one and the family ever since.

What can be done to help bring Eli home?

 

[Claroon]

For Eli Wood, the reward is specifically intended to find his whereabouts. Because police suspect foul play, they are relying on the community to provide even "small or insignificant" details that could complete the investigative puzzle.
Official Tip Channels:

• WRPS Major Crime Unit: 519-570-9777, ext. 8191
• Waterloo Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477 (Anonymous)

 

[Mayjusticeprevail]

I looked via Google street maps of many areas in that neighbourhood and there are so many sheds, bins, industrial locations with equipment! I hope individual industries and homeowners are looking around.

Yes me too. I actually went on virtual strolls using Google Maps to look what is nearby and what is along the walking routes to Weber St. Hopefully LE gathered a lot of security camera and dash cam footage more promptly than we know about. Hopefully the residents and business are looking for anything that is out of place that doesn't belong or changed after Oct 19.

 

[Mayjusticeprevail]

‘This family’s time stopped’: $5K reward offered as search continues for Eli Wood

In a social media post shared on Tuesday evening, the family said a $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Wood’s whereabouts.

www.ctvnews.ca

December 17, 2025
View attachment 631473
''No new details have been shared about the investigation, including why foul play is believed to be involved.''
''In a social media post shared on Tuesday evening, the family said the lack of answers has been especially difficult as the holidays pass and colder weather sets in.

“Two months ago. Two months of unanswered questions. Two months of a family waking up every single day without knowing where their child is. While the world moved on, this family’s time stopped,” the post read in part.''

It's so difficult to look at that image of the burnt unit that was EW's and see the debris on top of the neighbour's pick up truck.

 

[Claroon]

I found a video of the building 25 Major Street showing all the units. It was for sale a year ago. EW's unit is shown at the 1:40 min mark of the video, and we can see he had his own laundry. It is called an 'inlaw studio suite' by the realtor.