It could be 'months' before human remains found in planters identified, say police

Toronto police say their work is far from done at a Leaside home where alleged serial killer Bruce McArthur worked and stored tools.

Earlier this week, police revealed that human remains had been discovered inside planters located on theproperty on Mallory Crescent.

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On Wednesday, lead investigator Det-Sgt. Hank Idsinga said it could take months for the skeletal remains found so far to be identified.

Idsinga, who had previously said he believes that there are more victims, also said,"I can't give any idea about a number but I do expect more charges to be laid" against McArthur, who is currently facing five charges of first-degree murder.

Police are using dogs andground penetrating radar lent to the Toronto police by the Ontario Provincial Police at the property toidentify areas where dirt has been disturbed in the yard.

Digging for remains in frozen ground

The plan, said Idsinga, is to continue warmingthe ground and begin excavation "late this week or early next week."

"There's a tent out back. It's a very large tent. We have some heaters there and we are thawing the ground there," he said.

The property is now the site of a police command post, and Idsinga said police are also in the process of searching its basement.

He says police will be working on the property for at least another week and a half.

Searches continue across GTA

Meanwhile, police continue the process of investigating more than 30 propertieswhere McArthur may have worked, and haveconfirmed their search extendsto properties as far as Peel, York andDurham regions.

Idsinga said Wednesday they have "over a dozen planters to be examined" that police dogs identified as possibly containing remains.

Twoproperties that have already been searchedare locatednearYongeStreetandBalmoralAvenuein NorthRosedale.

"It's pretty scary. You see stuff on the news or read about it and find there's a connection on your own street, it's a little ominous," said Balmoralresident Anthony Antonelli.

Another neighbour, Thea Weinstein, said she saw police dogs sniffing different things in her neighbour's front yard.

"It was pretty creepy," she said.