Virus writers frustrate hunt for missing child

Missing five year-old found dead

By John Leyden • Get more from this author

Posted in Music and Media, 11th May 2001 15:49 GMT

Updated Virus writers have reached a new low by frustrating a Net campaign to find a missing five year-old Canadian girl.

A man who sent out emails inviting friends to send back information on missing toddler, Jessica Koopmans, has being shocked to learn that several people have received messages that mimic his, but contain a computer virus.

Adam Tetrault, who sent the emails after setting up a Web site designed to help find Jessica, told us that it was "hard to imagine or understand" the motive of the virus writers.

The Calgary Herald reports that the malicious email contains an attachment containing an email aware virus, similar to the Homepage worm. Tetrault, who seemed understandably upset, confirmed that people on the mailing list had received a virus. However he suggested this might either be something similar to the Homepage worm of the "Snow White" (Hybris) worm.

Jessica has been missing from her home in Alberta since last Friday (May 4) and fears are growing for her safety. Tetrault launched the Web site and email campaign on the request of Jessica's family. ®

Updated

Late on Friday night (May 11) Jessica's body was found dead in a place 50km from where she disappeared. Police are treating the case as an abduction and murder and are appealing for witnesses. Our sympathies go out to Jessica's friends and family.