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

[Ghostwheel]

Crime With Kait covered the details
YouTube video link

6:30
EW’s whereabouts confirmed up to 12am
He was at home speaking with family members
Spa night with dog

7:11
All of EW’s belongings including cell phone and laptop were destroyed in the fire

I appreciate the link. I am not saying this is wrong, nor asking for another link. What I do want to point out is that without the actual phone evidence, this could be someone's interpretation of events, not the actuality of them. Example: After being on a road trip, I will call from my car in the driveway that I am "home". If I get out of the car and someone were to kidnap me, my kids might assume I was in the house, when I was not. Or I will be out in the car eating my once a month In and Out burger and if my D calls, I might or might not mention it. If she asks what I am doing for the day, I might say "I am doing laundry" when the actuality of it is I put the first load in, went for my In and Out burger, and am planning to go back, flip the wash to the dryer and add another load. But I'm NOT actually home right at that moment. So it's a thing I consider when I don't have actual records (or someone visibly seeing them) that prove where someone was. I acknowledge that it colours my thinking.

Also, the statement "All of EW’s belongings including cell phone and laptop were destroyed in the fire" seems a little definitive to me. How could anyone possibly know that? Whatever clothes he was wearing, whatever he had on his person when he disappeared was NOT destroyed in the fire. What else might have been there that left with Eli or whoever took him that no one knows about? Is there a comforter or blanket missing? Wallet? Medications? Such an odd statement to make.

As an aside, I cannot imagine that the fire was specifically to destroy the laptop and phone. Or at least the phone. Phone records are fairly easily accessed, a lot of people save images to the cloud, so how could anyone know that destroying a phone would destroy all evidence? Even a laptop can be backed up to the cloud, or documents saved on an external server. I suppose they might just take a chance that destroying the electronics would destroy evidence, better than nothing as it were.

If it weren't for the dog, I might think Eli decided to leave on his own and start elsewhere (though not sure how), but I cannot see him leaving the dog to die such a horrible death. Not at all. All just me thinking about the circumstances and MOO.

 

[Mayjusticeprevail]

I appreciate the link. I am not saying this is wrong, nor asking for another link. What I do want to point out is that without the actual phone evidence, this could be someone's interpretation of events, not the actuality of them. Example: After being on a road trip, I will call from my car in the driveway that I am "home". If I get out of the car and someone were to kidnap me, my kids might assume I was in the house, when I was not. Or I will be out in the car eating my once a month In and Out burger and if my D calls, I might or might not mention it. If she asks what I am doing for the day, I might say "I am doing laundry" when the actuality of it is I put the first load in, went for my In and Out burger, and am planning to go back, flip the wash to the dryer and add another load. But I'm NOT actually home right at that moment. So it's a thing I consider when I don't have actual records (or someone visibly seeing them) that prove where someone was. I acknowledge that it colours my thinking.

Also, the statement "All of EW’s belongings including cell phone and laptop were destroyed in the fire" seems a little definitive to me. How could anyone possibly know that? Whatever clothes he was wearing, whatever he had on his person when he disappeared was NOT destroyed in the fire. What else might have been there that left with Eli or whoever took him that no one knows about? Is there a comforter or blanket missing? Wallet? Medications? Such an odd statement to make.

As an aside, I cannot imagine that the fire was specifically to destroy the laptop and phone. Or at least the phone. Phone records are fairly easily accessed, a lot of people save images to the cloud, so how could anyone know that destroying a phone would destroy all evidence? Even a laptop can be backed up to the cloud, or documents saved on an external server. I suppose they might just take a chance that destroying the electronics would destroy evidence, better than nothing as it were.

If it weren't for the dog, I might think Eli decided to leave on his own and start elsewhere (though not sure how), but I cannot see him leaving the dog to die such a horrible death. Not at all. All just me thinking about the circumstances and MOO.

I understand the details about belongings destroyed, dog killed in fire, and last known times of calls are not verified by LE.

The podcaster pulled the details from posts and comments made by EW’s family members in the Facebook group they admin called Help Find Eli Wood and another page called Ground Search For Eli Wood.

It’s important to note that the Initial articles and police reports all emphasized the estimated $500k in damage to the house deemed arson.

The death of EW’s dog was not brought up by LE, and the disappearance of EW, and the destruction of EW’s belongings in the apartment were downplayed.

MOO the fire came across as a deliberate act to destroy all evidence.
Fire and the water used to put out fire damages and destroys a great deal of forensic evidence. If the phone or laptop were used to log into encrypted servers or platforms like signal without the username handle it can be very difficult to retrieve communication that occurred.

 

[Claroon]

I found a post that gave us the details we have collected that were not necessarily in a WRPC article release. We aren't to post other FB user's profiles I believe. Is a snip allowed? I assume this person is friends of the family and her initials are AD.

 

[Bigditch]

The question about wide open spaces near 25 Major St. Two include Woodside Historic Park and Springwood Park which
Law enforcement (LE) could have searched only if one of the following applied:
• Search warrant issued by a judge
• Exigent circumstances (e.g., threat to life, destruction of evidence)
• Consent from the property manager or controlling authority

As another sleuth suggested, there are a lot of industries with dumpsters, etc. that would be easy to drop someone by as well. Private properties.

View attachment 639707

And further up the highway (assuming the perp used a vehicle), is the area along the river where a group did plan to do a search before the snow became an issue.

View attachment 639709

Why would LE need a warrant to search a public park?

 

[Bigditch]

Regarding the previous post where I said the goFundMe was set at $1,800, This poster from EW's FB page says $4,000 is needed as a minimum amount. Wow.


View attachment 639715

Cute Pic.
I think the motive was robbery. Jmo

 

[Claroon]

Why would LE need a warrant to search a public park?

Depends on what I find and read online. Sorry. Yes it is confusing and in most cases they do not need one to search a public property. It depends on how deep a search it becomes, if they need access through a locked gate, if they want dogs there, if they want to dig...
I believe a warrant strengthens a case if there becomes one as it was done lawfully. But, yes, a general walk through I don't think needs one.

 

[Mayjusticeprevail]

Cute Pic.
I think the motive was robbery. Jmo

Others have also suggested motive was robbery.

Do you think EW was targeted because of his go fund me or robbers targeted the house itself because it was listed for sale Oct 2024 and in Spring 2025?

 

[Mayjusticeprevail]

I found a post that gave us the details we have collected that were not necessarily in a WRPC article release. We aren't to post other FB user's profiles I believe. Is a snip allowed? I assume this person is friends of the family and her initials are AD.
View attachment 639950

Very helpful. Thanks for finding these posts. This must be where The Crime Podcaster got their details from.

 

[Charlot123]

Cute Pic.
I think the motive was robbery. Jmo

Robbery is possible. Eli sounds slightly naive in his FB.

Hate crime is possible, too. It could be a random person or even the parent of someone from Eli's group. Sometimes these parents are very livid towards the movement.

I also weigh in a possibility of a pedophile since Eli looks very young and lithe for his age. Sometimes pedos are turned on not by children but by youth.

Hopefully we'll get an answer.

 

[Serononin]

I found a post that gave us the details we have collected that were not necessarily in a WRPC article release. We aren't to post other FB user's profiles I believe. Is a snip allowed? I assume this person is friends of the family and her initials are AD.
View attachment 639950

I hate to speculate on this, but has it been confirmed that poor Princess' cause of death was related to the fire?

 

[Bigditch]

Others have also suggested motive was robbery.

Do you think EW was targeted because of his go fund me or robbers targeted the house itself because it was listed for sale Oct 2024 and in Spring 2025?

Best guess Eli was targeted for the gofundme, especially for such a large amount (four-thousand dollars if that amount is confirmed). Not to say that someone wouldn't Rob him for less. Five hundred dollars is a lot of money to some folks. Jmo

 

[Mayjusticeprevail]

I hate to speculate on this, but has it been confirmed that poor Princess' cause of death was related to the fire?

Cause of death not released by LE

Family shared on Facebook Dec 23, 2025 that the apartment was lit on fire with Princess inside.
Her remains are being sent to family in Nova Scotia.

 

[Bigditch]

Depends on what I find and read online. Sorry. Yes it is confusing and in most cases they do not need one to search a public property. It depends on how deep a search it becomes, if they need access through a locked gate, if they want dogs there, if they want to dig...
I believe a warrant strengthens a case if there becomes one as it was done lawfully. But, yes, a general walk through I don't think needs one.

Don't apologize. One can't possibly know the legalities of every jurisdiction on the map.

In Canada the police need a warrant to search privately owned property. A person's backyard, garage, shed, car, electronic devices, and inside their home.

 

[Claroon]

Another location on the map.

At the time he went missing, EW was a Master of Social Work (MSW) student at Wilfrid Laurier University and as of Sept. 2025 was completing a professional placement at Health and Wellness Friendly Communities (HWFC) located at 44 Francis St. (see photo grab from google maps). (another location for refugee services exists on King St). (**in article "councillor" should be "counsellor"). MSM link

I am looking into what that organization does and it appears he would be directly involved with the vulnerable populations ( those at high risk of homelessness, living in insecure or unstable housing, and those seeking addiction support or helpf for mental illness.)

I will write a new post speculating on why a person in this community my target EW, since authorities have confirmed the disappearance was a targeted incident. Please join in on the discussion.

 

[Claroon]

(bbm)

Further to previous post on work athe the HWFC, the article mistakenly called him a ‘councillor,’ but it does not confirm he provided counselling. There are many other roles he may have been put into such as sign-in, administrative...

Can we assume what type of interactions took place? Not factually. But we might generally be able to say people working with vulnerable populations can face aggression or unpredictable behaviour.

His orientation could be a possible motive, but we have nothing official to support that. But, Trans people do face higher rates of targeted violence.

It is confirmed he felt some discomfort in being followed, but I think that was back in May(?) (correct me if I'm wrong). The Record article doesn’t give a precise date, but the way it’s written strongly implies that EW's feeling of being followed or watched happened months before October, not in the days immediately leading up to the fire.

“Earlier this year, Eli had mentioned feeling uneasy after being followed…”

In my pscychology reading of behaviours, I will put forth, that Arson + disappearance + killing the dog was not, IMO, random or robbery. Even if homeless person needs $$ - robbery is usually an in and out / don't draw attention crime. And random acts don’t usually include deliberate arson or the intentional harming of a pet.

More later, coffee time.

 

[Mayjusticeprevail]

In my pscychology reading of behaviours, I will put forth, that Arson + disappearance + killing the dog was not, IMO, random or robbery. Even if homeless person needs $$ - robbery is usually an in and out / don't draw attention crime. And random acts don’t usually include deliberate arson or the intentional harming of a pet.

More later, coffee time.

​

Re: Robbery angle (all speculation)

If we consider the possibility of a robbery it’s reasonable to consider extortion/bribery that led to home invasion.

There was someone really unhinged on a Reddit thread about a month ago who raised a red flag. They brought up home invasion in a thread started by a friend of EWs who simply wanted to get the missing poster noticed and shared.

Legally, a home invasion is almost always prosecuted as First-Degree Robbery or Residential Burglary. If the suspects entered EW’s home with the intent to take property or money by force, it qualifies as a robbery. If they had been threatening him previously to get him to pay a "debt," it started off as extortion.

What if EW’s GoFundMe and mutual aid requests were set up under duress? What if EW was being forced to pay a large sum of money?

If the perp(s) showed up on the 19th to collect the $$$ and found out the full amount was missing and the confrontation escalated into a violent attack.

The fire may have been set to scare EW or set afterwards to cover up DNA from a struggle that occurred.

The perp(s) would have left the dog inside to prevent being followed or barked at when they left.

 

[Claroon]

​

Re: Robbery angle (all speculation)

If we consider the possibility of a robbery it’s reasonable to consider extortion/bribery that led to home invasion.

There was someone really unhinged on a Reddit thread about a month ago who raised a red flag. They brought up home invasion in a thread started by a friend of EWs who simply wanted to get the missing poster noticed and shared.


View attachment 640139

Legally, a home invasion is almost always prosecuted as First-Degree Robbery or Residential Burglary. If the suspects entered EW’s home with the intent to take property or money by force, it qualifies as a robbery. If they had been threatening him previously to get him to pay a "debt," it started off as extortion.

What if EW’s GoFundMe and mutual aid requests were set up under duress? What if EW was being forced to pay a large sum of money?

If the perp(s) showed up on the 19th to collect the $$$ and found out the full amount was missing and the confrontation escalated into a violent attack.

The fire may have been set to scare EW or set afterwards to cover up DNA from a struggle that occurred.

The perp(s) would have left the dog inside to prevent being followed or barked at when they left.

Great, a new "theory" to test , Oh, dear. Lots to think about.

If someone knew he was struggling, they could have:
• offered “help” with strings attached
• pressured him
• exploited his situation as you've suggested

By the way, many university students end schooling with student debt so needing money isn't unusual IMO.

Does any part of the sequence: EW disappearance, arson, the dog, feel consistent with what you might know about a home invasion?

Wouldn't the purpose of the home invasion be to gain something? Cash, valuables? Weapons?...

And if the goal was to scare him, why did he disappear?

If the motive was money, what would the purpose of the fire be?

How common is it for debt collectors or burglars to remove a person from the scene?

What emotion do you think was driving the person who set the fire?

 

[Claroon]

Has anyone said if EW took the bus? Laurier students are given free bus passes. Could he have connected on a bus and a person fixated on him?

 

[Mayjusticeprevail]

Another location on the map.

At the time he went missing, EW was a Master of Social Work (MSW) student at Wilfrid Laurier University and as of Sept. 2025 was completing a professional placement at Health and Wellness Friendly Communities (HWFC) located at 44 Francis St. (see photo grab from google maps). (another location for refugee services exists on King St). (**in article "councillor" should be "counsellor"). MSM link

View attachment 640081
View attachment 640082



View attachment 640074
I am looking into what that organization does and it appears he would be directly involved with the vulnerable populations ( those at high risk of homelessness, living in insecure or unstable housing, and those seeking addiction support or helpf for mental illness.)

I will write a new post speculating on why a person in this community my target EW, since authorities have confirmed the disappearance was a targeted incident. Please join in on the discussion.

Good to see these details added about EWs MSW student placement that started in September 2025.

*** Research and speculation ***

When I learned via LinkedIn that EW began a new placement in September 2025 with Health & Wellness Friendly Communities, I looked on Ontario social work forums to find out what roles are typically assigned to MSW students.
Some counselling work is done virtually through an encrypted platform but the program itself requires significant hours of in-person engagement with community members.

Master of Social Work (MSW) students in their final year (Advanced Field Education) at Wilfrid Laurier University must complete a minimum of 500 hours in their field placement. This placement requires a minimum of 16 hours per week, with options for 21, 28, or 35 hours per week depending on the schedule chosen.

There is an option for thesis that requires 100 hours of advanced field placement which seems to be what EW was working towards with the plan to move back to NS and finish the degree virtually.
Link


Health & Wellness Friendly Communities operates its main services in partnership with Community Healthcaring Kitchener-Waterloo (Home), located at 44 Francis Street South, Kitchener, ON N2G 2A2.

HCKW runs programs via outreach services at a number of community partner sites across Kitchener for vulnerable clients experiencing homelessness and insecure housing.

It’s unknown which location EW was working at.
Here is a list of locations:

The Working Centre (TWC):
58 Queen St S, Kitchener, ON N2G 1V6

House of Friendship (HOF):
House of Friendship

HOF operates programs across several sites in Kitchener, including a main administrative office, addiction treatment facilities, housing, and various community centres.

Administrative Office: 236 Victoria St N, Suite 3A, Kitchener, ON N2H 5C8

Addiction Treatment and Women's Residential Treatment: 71 Ann St, Kitchener, ON N2B 3T3

Emergency Food Hampers: 807 Guelph St, Kitchener, ON N2H 5Z2

HOF Supportive Housing:
Charles Village: 75 Charles Street East, Kitchener, ON

Eby Village: 50 Eby Street South, Kitchener, ON

HOF Neighbourhood Community Centres (Family Outreach/Food Programs):

Chandler Mowat: 222 Chandler Drive, Kitchener, ON

Courtland Shelley: 1064-G Courtland Avenue East, Kitchener, ON

Kingsdale: 72 Wilson Avenue, Kitchener, ON

Centreville Chicopee: 141 Morgan Avenue, Kitchener, ON

Forest Heights: 1700 Queens Boulevard, Kitchener, ON

Victoria Hills: 10 Chopin Drive, Kitchener, ON

Ray of Hope: 659 King St E #230, Kitchener, ON N2G 2M4

Thrive HIV Prevention and Support: 5-1770 King Street East, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 2P1


In addition, there are undisclosed supportive housing sites and motels.



Fire / Arson

When I look up Kitchener fires, there have been 2 fires close to the The Working Centre (TWC):
58 Queen St S, Kitchener, ON N2G 1V6

Kitchener Fire Department: Major incident report
Nov 18, 2025 - 2nd floor fire, unoccupied building known to have squatters
January 25, 2026 - 2nd floor above dispensary 2 tenants escaped. 2 missing but no injuries reported. Kitchener Fire incident reports | City of Kitchener

 

[Mayjusticeprevail]

Great, a new "theory" to test , Oh, dear. Lots to think about.

For sure not something I thought of over the 3+ months but after seeing robbery pop up as motive and then looking back on reddit, this theory began to take shape.

If someone knew he was struggling, they could have:
• offered “help” with strings attached
• pressured him
• exploited his situation as you've suggested

Possibly

By the way, many university students end schooling with student debt so needing money isn't unusual IMO.

True, student debt is common. LE must have checked Eli’s financial records for things like crypto, gambling, or large withdrawals, those motives usually lead to intimidation, not abduction.

Does any part of the sequence: EW disappearance, arson, the dog, feel consistent with what you might know about a home invasion?

It's not that consistent because the victim is usually left bound or injured at the scene.

The removal of EW suggests he was a perceived threat to the robbers.

The dog being left in the fire was either a rushed exit or a total lack of empathy.

Wouldn't the purpose of the home invasion be to gain something? Cash, valuables? Weapons?...

Yes and alternatively, if not cash or valuables, then potentially digital (hard drives, ledger keys) or personal (silence)

And if the goal was to scare him, why did he disappear?

If the perps didn't get what they wanted, EW's disappearance might have been a forced relocation to get information.

If the motive was money, what would the purpose of the fire be?

Most likely destroying evidence... DNA, fingerprints, or digital footprints.

If the perps found out that they were being recorded, it would explain why they set the apartment on fire and
took EW away. Perhaps to silence him or relocate him.

How common is it for debt collectors or burglars to remove a person from the scene?

Robbers who are acting on a debt collection want a victim alive and working to pay them back.
Removing a person from a scene increases the risk of being caught.
The perps must have felt that leaving him there was a greater risk than taking him.

What emotion do you think was driving the person who set the fire?

I'd say in this theory, the emotion is methodical - burn all the DNA and destroy the electronics.


Although MOO from the start has been that the fire was set out of rage. A strong need to silence or erase EW.