Authorities seek clues in Henry County slayings

December 10, 2003 12:00 am

The Associated Press
(Kamloops, British Columbia-AP) -- American authorities investigating the slaying of a Virginia couple and their young daughter are in Canada this week, searching for clues about a mystery woman who might be able to shed light on the case.

Two Henry County sheriff's officers visited an airstrip in British Columbia in their investigation of the slayings of Michael and Mary Short and the kidnapping and slaying of their nine-year-old daughter Jennifer.

The couple was found dead in their Bassett home in August of last year. Jennifer's skeletal remains were found a little more than a month later in Rockingham County, North Carolina. All three were shot in the head.

The officers met with Canadian authorites at the airfield. Cpl. Joanne Skrine of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said investigators are trying to establish a time line that may connect a "person of interest" to the slayings.

Police are asking the public's help in locating the woman, who is described as white, slim with red or reddish-blonde hair, in her late 40s or early 50s.