Foul play suspected in disappearance of missing Hamilton mother

Hamilton police say the homicide unit has taken over the investigation into the disappearance of 23-year-old Emily Bailey.

During a news conference in Hamilton Wednesday morning, Sgt. Jim Callander said newly received information suggests foul play was involved in the disappearance of the young mother of two.

Bailey was reported missing on Jan. 10 by family and friends.

“Both the police and her family are concerned for her well-being. Emily is a mother of two young daughters and this is much out of her character,” said Callander. “Emily’s family deserves answers.”

It is believed that Bailey attended a New Year’s Eve party on Dec. 31, 2021, at a home on Weir St. North. She reportedly left the home the following morning and was headed to a friend’s house but never arrived.

Bailey’s mother, Lori Bevan, spoke at the news conference and said her daughter was regularly in contact with family members and always checked in on her daughters – one of whom turned two on Wednesday.

“This isn’t like her,” said Bevan. “I know somebody knows something and somebody needs to come forward and tell somebody. Please, we need to know what happened.”

Bailey’s mother said her daughter is full of personality and loves her children. She says this is completely unlike her daughter to not be in touch with her loved ones. “We love and miss her so much. We need her back,” said Bevan.

Callander said Bailey lived a “hard life” and suffered from addiction and homelessness but never lost sight of her family.

Police say they have been working extensively to locate Bailey since she was reported missing. They are urging members of the public who have information – specifically about the New Year’s Eve party – to contact detectives.

RELATED STORY: Family and friends are pleading for the safe return of Emily Bailey