Nanaimo Daily News - July 12, 2002

Summary

Nanaimo Daily News: Fri July 12, 2002 (Paul Walton) "Woman's disappearance leaves friends perplexed ...rumours unfounded"

source: https://www.newspapers.com/clip/50704933

clip: https://lisamarieyoung.ca/n/ndn20020712

[Reproduced under Copyright Act (Canada) s.29.2 — Fair Dealing for the purpose of news reporting]

Woman's disappearance leaves friends perplexed

Those close to Lisa Young are confounded as to why anyone would want to harm the 21-year-old, missing since July 1 and believed by police to have met with foul play.

Melanie Stevenson, a close family friend, said she has known Lisa since she was born. Her daughter was born about a month before Lisa and Stevenson often looked after her.

"We've always been close," said Stevenson.

There is nothing in Lisa's personality, she said, which would cause any conflict, let alone one which could lead to violence.

"She's always gotten along with people and been responsible."

Lisa has always been a focused and determined individual, said Stevenson.

"She had her struggles, but always came out on top," she said. "She was well-liked by her peers."

For a number of years, Lisa worked for McDonald's, and was considered a good employee for her focus and commitment.

Stevenson's daughter and Lisa are very close friends, and her daughter is distraught over the situation.

Stevenson said there was never any indication or hint of trouble since Lisa began working at a number of downtown Nanaimo bars, which she considered a step up after working at McDonalds.

She began working at The Old Flag Inn, went to The Palace and then worked at The Jungle Cabaret until about three months ago. Lisa was last seen outside The Jungle at about 2 a.m. on July 1, leaving in a maroon or red four-door Jaguar.

Stevenson remains stunned by the events.

"This does not happen in Nanaimo," she said. "This is not Vancouver."

"...rumours unfounded"

Police say there is no truth to a rumour that the body of Lisa Young has been found in the Ladysmith area.

Const. Jack Eubank, spokesman with the Nanaimo RCMP, said Thursday the false information has even turned up on some Internet sites. The rumour also reached the family, causing them considerable distress.

While police have said they believe Lisa has met with foul play, officially police are investigating a missing person. Investigators with the Nanaimo RCMP serious crimes unit continue to follow up tips, now at more than 100.

Police say it appears to be foul play because they have now ruled every other possibility.

Anyone with information about the case can call Nanaimo RCMP at 754-2345.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers, and for a potential reward, at 1-800-222-8477.