Times Colonist - June 30, 2023
Times Colonist: Jun 30, 2023 Alexandra Mehl "It's time for Lisa Marie Young to be brought home, say supporters"
clip: https://lisamarieyoung.ca/n/tc20230630
[Reproduced under Copyright Act (Canada) s.29.2 - Fair Dealing for the purpose of news reporting]
It's time for Lisa Marie Young to be brought home, say supporters
NANAIMO — It’s been 21 years since Lisa Marie Young was last seen in the early morning of June 30, 2002, in Nanaimo.
Friends and family remembered the 21-year-old Tla-o-qui-aht woman with an annual walk on Sunday. Inspired by Young’s love for music, local artists performed songs throughout the day.
“Every year we do a walk and a gathering in honour of Lisa, and her mom, so nobody will forget,” said Carol Frank, Young’s aunt, on Sunday. “People that don’t know her story will learn something today too. It’s really important.”
According to the Native Women’s Association of Canada, Young was last seen getting into a vehicle with a man who drove a burgundy Jaguar car who offered her a ride to get food and agreed to return her.
The last text message she sent read: “Come get me. They won’t let me leave.”
Cyndy Hall, a friend of Young, said she was happy with the turnout at Sunday's event. “It just shows that it’s not just Lisa’s loved ones that want her to come home, it’s the community,” she said.
Hall said it would mean the world to her, Lisa’s family, and friends if they found her.
“Of course we want justice, but first off, we want Lisa to come home because Lisa is all alone and she died alone,” she said. "So now it’s time we bring her home."
The City of Nanaimo declared June 25 Justice for Lisa Marie Young Day and June 30 Lights on for Lisa.
Lights on for Lisa encourages people to “leave their patio lights on in support of the day she was reported missing,” said Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog.
Nanaimo RCMP say Young's disappearance continues to be investigated and is being treated as a homicide.
“Over the years, investigators have received hundreds of tips, have interviewed as many people, conducted numerous searches, and have diligently followed up on old and new information,” said Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP in a statement.
“If you have information that you have never shared with police, now is the time to do so. It’s never too late,” he said.
Information can be reported with Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
