Nanaimo Daily News - Nov 29, 2002

Summary

Nanaimo Daily News: Fri Nov 29, 2002 (Paul Walton) "Police wait for break in city murder cases ...Young family to search for Lisa"

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

Police wait for break in city murder cases

Police are no closer to solving the disappearance of a young Nanaimo woman missing now since July, or the murder of another young Nanaimo woman whose body was found outside of Campbell River in May 2000.

Lisa Young, 21, went missing on the Canada Day weekend this year. So far, despite the belief she has met with foul play, police have been unable to determine her fate.

The remains of Laura Lee (Raven) Banman, 23, were found on a logging road outside of Campbell River five months after she was reported missing in January of 2000.

While it is known that Banman was murdered, Mounties have been unable to find out who killed her.

"We're still hoping for the big break," said Sgt. Dwight Dammann, with the Campbell River RCMP.

Banman was known as a drug addict and sex trade worker in Nanaimo. Dammann said earlier this year he forwarded information about Banman's murder to the Missing Women's Task Force in Vancouver. He said they have established there is no link.

"We don't think there's any connection between Laura Banman and the matters being investigated by the Missing Woman's Task Force," said Dammann.

While Young does not fit the same profile, not being a drug addict or in the sex trade, both women were about the same age and of aboriginal heritage. Dammann said police have no reason to think there is a connection between Young and Banman, but all possibilities are being considered.

"If there are any areas of connection with Lisa Young, we will be in contact with investigators in Nanaimo," he said.

Anyone with information on either case can call police or Crime Stoppers.

"...Young family to search for Lisa"

Before a vigil is held for Lisa Young on Dec. 7, her family and volunteers will do their own search this weekend.

Joanne Young, Lisa's mother, said they will return on Saturday to. an area at the top of Doumont Road which police searched several months ago.

"I was getting very anxious; I really wanted to keep the public aware Lisa's still missing," she said.

The search, she said, will be headed by experienced searchers from the Long Beach area. "They are looking for anything," said Joanne Young, "that may be a clue as to what's become of Lisa."

The Dec. 7 candlelight vigil, to begin at 7 p.m., will be held at The Unity Church at 2231 McGarrigle Road. All are welcome.