Every public RCMP statement about Lisa Marie Young's case
Nanaimo Daily News, July 4, 2002 "Parents fear daughter the victim of foul play" (Paul Walton) • Clip • Source (newspapers.com)
Const. Jack Eubank, with the Nanaimo RCMP said, "she was immediately put on the national police computer."
Const. Murray Conway, with the Nanaimo RCMP serious crimes section, said he "took on the investigation Wednesday because the uniformed officer who took the initial report Sunday is away until Friday."
Conway said that he has found nothing to raise suspicions. "Nothing's come up that would suggest foul play, we just don't know where she is," said Conway.
Nanaimo Daily News, July 5, 2002 "City woman's whereabouts still unknown" (Paul Walton) • Clip • Source (newspapers.com)
Const. Jack Eubank, with the Nanaimo RCMP, said "police inquiries continued Thursday with no new information pointing to either finding her or the possibility of foul play". But Joanne Young did say police had wanted to talk with one man they termed a "person of interest."
Nanaimo Daily News, July 6, 2002 "Bar staff worried about woman" (Paul Walton) • Clip • Source (newspapers.com)
No evidence has emerged to indicate to police that foul play is involved in Young's disappearance. But Const. Jack Eubank, with the Nanaimo RCMP, said "investigators become more concerned with every day that passes without learning what has become of her." He said they have "a number of tips they want to follow up, including a claim that Young left the club as a passenger in a dark vehicle with a group of friends."
Nanaimo Daily News, July 9, 2002 "RCMP keep searching for woman" (Paul Walton) • Clip • Source (newspapers.com)
Const. Jack Eubank said Monday "five serious crimes investigators were working on the case."
Eubank said they have "had two dozen tips officers were looking into" and, "and more are coming in."
On Monday, Eubank requested news outlets to direct all inquiries to himself rather than the Youngs. "The family is beginning to feel the strain of the disappearance of their daughter and the many requests from news outlets," said Eubank.
Nanaimo Daily News, July 10, 2002 "Police fear local met with foul play" (Paul Walton) • Clip • Source (newspapers.com)
"Given there was no reason for her to disappear, that she had no history of running away and that everyone she knew said she was a reliable person, police could reach no other conclusion," said Const. Jack Eubank, spokesman for the Nanaimo RCMP. "Everything else has come up negative," he said. "We've just run out of options." Investigators met with Young's parents, Don and Joanne Young, Tuesday afternoon, to inform them of their grim opinion.
One of the 40 tips, which serious crime investigators continue to examine, is that Young was last seen in a red or burgundy-coloured Jaguar outside The Jungle Cabaret at closing time. Eubank said "police have spoken with the owner of that vehicle", but Eubank said "they still need details on its movements." Anyone who saw a burgundy 1980s Jaguar in Nanaimo the night of June 30 or on the morning of July 1 is asked to call police or Crime Stoppers.
Times Colonist, July 10, 2002 "Foul play feared in disappearance" • Clip • Source (newspapers.com)
Const. Jack Eubank said "Tuesday investigators met with Lisa Marie Young's family to tell them of their suspicions" [that foul play is now suspected]. He did not say what brought investigators to that conclusion.
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."
Nanaimo Daily News, July 16, 2002 "Search for Lisa Young continues" (Paul Walton) • Clip • Source (newspapers.com)
Last week, Const. Jack Eubank, with the Nanaimo RCMP said "the rumour surfaced on some chat sites on the Internet. Rumours also claim a body was found in Ladysmith." Young went missing on the Canada Day weekend after leaving a downtown bar. There is no indication the young woman has run off. Eubank said Monday there have been "no new developments in the investigation, which remains a missing person's case although foul play is suspected."
Nanaimo Daily News, July 17, 2002 "Rumours serve no purpose" • Clip • Source (newspapers.com)
Police have officially stated they believe Lisa may have been the victim of foul play. And that's all they've said.
Vancouver Sun, July 23, 2002 "Tips sought in Nanaimo woman's disappearance" • Clip • Source (newspapers.com)
Constable Jack Eubank, with the Nanaimo RCMP says "there have been no new developments in the investigation, which remains a missing person's case although foul play is suspected."
Nanaimo Daily News, July 25, 2002 "Lisa's kin follow psychic tip" (Nelson Bennet) • Clip • Source (newspapers.com)
Meanwhile, police appear to be no closer to solving the mystery of Young's disappearance, despite numerous tips. "We've received well over 100 to 150 tips on the case," says Const. Jack Eubank of the Nanaimo RCMP. "Each of them is being followed up on as early as possible."
Nanaimo Daily News, September 10, 2002 "Tips spark new search for woman" (Paul Walton) • Clip • Source (newspapers.com)
Police will conduct a new search for a 21-year-old missing Nanaimo woman in "the days ahead" after getting a recent tip. Const. Jack Eubank said police "got the tip in August and investigators had intended to begin the search after the Labour Day long weekend." The search, however, was delayed after the Sept. 1 shooting of Rosella Centis. "A team of investigators, including those investigating Lisa Young's disappearance, worked around the clock following the shooting." A suspect was arrested Sept. 3 and the investigation continued in the days after. Eubank did not say where they would be searching for clues to Young's disappearance.
About a week later [after Lisa's disappearance], after ruling out the possibility Young had run away, police called her disappearance suspicious and asked for public assistance. The Nanaimo RCMP serious crimes unit then began an intensive investigation. Among the tips police had was one that Young was last seen leaving The Jungle Cabaret in the early hours of Aug. 5 in a maroon Jaguar. Police tracked down the vehicle and the driver and the investigation continues. Police are still interested in hearing from anyone who might have new information.
The Province, September 15, 2002 "RCMP continue to search for missing Nanaimo woman" (Jason Proctor) • Clip • Source (newspapers.com)
Nanaimo RCMP will conduct pointed searches this week for the body of a 21-year-old woman who has been missing since she was spotted getting into a Jaguar after a party in the early hours of June 30. Friends and family of Lisa Marie Young say they are hopeful that the search "planned for Tuesday morning" is proof that police are getting closer to solving the mystery of the popular young woman's disappearance. "We just try to get through every day," said Joanne Young, Lisa Marie's mother. Although police have not released the exact location of the search, they have said that they made the decision to examine several areas after receiving information in relation to the investigation. Police have identified the driver of the red Jaguar and spoken to the man, who is in custody pending charges unrelated to Lisa Marie's case. RCMP have not identified him as a suspect, but say "he continues to be a part of the investigation."
Nanaimo Daily News, September 18, 2002 "Grim Task: Police comb woods for Lisa Young" (Paul Walton) • Clip • Source (newspapers.com)
Prior to commencing the search, lead investigator Cpl. Doug Hogg told two-dozen officers joining the search how a body may be obscured by brush after lying in the woods for several months. They were also told that previous cursory searches with police dogs had come across bones found to belong to deer. The officers, two with search dogs, split into groups to begin their grim task at Doumont and Biggs Roads. The search began around 9 a.m. and ended shortly before noon. Police found "nothing significant to the investigation," said Nanaimo RCMP spokesman Const. Jack Eubank. He would say only that "information they received last month led to the search."
The driver has been located and interviewed by police. Eubank said "further searches in different areas may be carried out in the near future."
Nanaimo Daily News, November 4, 2002 "City police continue search for Lisa Young" (Paul Walton) • Clip • Source (newspapers.com)
Cpl. Doug Hogg, with the Nanaimo RCMP serious crimes unit, said they "have no new leads or information which they think may solve the mystery." He said they are "continuing to follow up leads" already given them. "Things are progressing, albeit slowly," said Hogg.
Hogg said they "want to search another area north of the city, but have not been able to arrange the required number of officers" to scour the brush.
Nanaimo Daily News, November 29, 2002 "Police wait for break in city murder cases ...Young family to search for Lisa" (Paul Walton) • Clip • Source (newspapers.com)
[Sgt. Dwight] 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.
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.
Ha-Shilth-Sa, January 16, 2003 "Nanaimo songstress records "Lisa's Song"" • Clip • Source (issuu.com)
Nanaimo RCMP say there is "nothing new to report in the case."
[if you have info please call Lisa's] Uncle RCMP Constable Mike Martin at (250) 838-0703
Nanaimo Daily News, April 30, 2003 "Billboard to keep search for Lisa alive" (Paul Walton) • Clip • Source (newspapers.com)
"RCMP serious crimes investigators are now waiting for information which could lead to lead to an arrest," said Const. Jack Eubank. "We just don't have any new information at all," Eubank said. "Somebody out there knows, and we need to hear from them."
Nanaimo Daily News, May 29, 2003 "When sadness turns to anger" (Paul Walton) • Clip • Source (newspapers.com)
"We hear she went to that party; they [the police] say she wasn't there," said Young.
Young said he's not heard from the police in three months, and that they have no interest in his suggestion of a Crime Stoppers spot. "How could a Crime Stoppers spot hurt?" he asked.
Const. Jack Eubank, spokesman. for the Nanaimo RCMP, said "police have gone from nearly daily briefings with the Youngs to less frequent contact because there is little new to tell them." When more information arises which police can share, he said, they will. "We completely understand the emotions Don and Joanne must be going through," said Eubank. "But there haven't been a lot of developments in the investigation." Investigators, said Eubank, would also "prefer that as the one-year marker of Lisa's disappearance approaches they could solve the case."
Eubank also said that "Crime Stoppers no longer does re-enactments of crimes." (republished in avt20030603)
Ha-Shilth-Sa, August 14, 2003 "Investigation for missing woman frustrates family" (Ruth Olgilvie) • Clip • Source (issuu.com)
Police didn't even search for Lisa until three months after she was reported missing, Carol said, "They said they didn't have enough man-power."
Sgt. Doug Chisholm of the Nanaimo Serious Crimes Unit said that on began the day Lisa was reported missing. Although he did not mention when the actual ground search took place he said they immediately responded by tracing Lisa's last contact with people and where she was last seen, "By the end of the first week we had concerns and in fact were very focused on the investigation." Chisholm said.
Police searched the man's maroon Jaguar using infrared light and DNA testing and found no evidence that could keep him in custody. He was released shortly after, though the RCMP told the Youngs they were sure he was withholding information critical to the case. Don was distraught and prepared to alert media about the man's release. Two officers from the Nanaimo detachment showed up at their house, warning Don they would charge him with obstruction of justice if he pursued media coverage. RCMP said they did not want the Young's "interfering with the integrity of the RCMP". Sgt. Chisholm is hesitant to discuss the case as it is still an active investigation, but admitted Lisa's case is a missing person's case with suspected foul play. "Suffice to say we feel strongly about an individual, but there isn't sufficient evidence to charge him," Chisholm said. "I hesitate greatly to discuss this as there hasn't been sufficient evidence to charge anyone," he said. However, RCMP admitted to believing there is a connection between Lisa's disappearance and the individual. Joanne was warned on a separate occasion via a letter on RCMP letterhead for telling one Nanaimo paper about the man who was taken into custody then released. Persistent in the search for her daughter, Joanne contacted Crime Stoppers and inquired about making a re-enactment video of the last place Lisa was seen. Constable Jossee Smith of Crime Stoppers instructed Joanne that "one of the investigators of Lisa's case would have to request a re-enactment video be made as they hold the file with all information pertaining to Lisa's disappearance." Joanne then asked one of the investigators to make the request to make the request to Crime Stoppers and he told her he didn't feel it "would be helpful at this time", In fact, Constable Jack Eubank, spokesman for the RCMP in Nanaimo, made a media statement saying "Crime Stoppers no longer does re-enactments of crimes." According to Constable Smith Crime Stoppers still makes re-enactment videos. When Smith was then asked what the process is to make a re-enactment video she said, "it is always up to the investigator; they send in their request either by fax or by phone with details of the files and pictures". Don and Joanne are concerned because communication with RCMP has all but stopped. Much of their time is spent waiting for officers to return phone calls. Don emailed the investigators expressing his frustration with the lack of communication and in a returned email investigators responded with apologies for their lack of communication, explaining communications have dwindled because they have nothing to tell them yet. Francis Frank expresses empathy for the Young family, "I can imagine how they feel; powerless and frustrated with the system." Sgt. Chisholm spoke highly of the investigators in charge of Lisa's case. "We've been fairly open with the Young's," he said. "We have very dedicated people committed to pursuing the investigation." He explained again the hesitancy investigators had about providing much information about the case as it is an active investigation.
On Thursday Const. Jack Eubank, spokesman for the Nanaimo RCMP, issued a news release stating all such rumours about Lisa Young are untrue. "Over the last several weeks there have been rumours circulating around the Nanaimo area suggesting that Lisa Young has been located," he said. "Nanaimo RCMP are advising that Lisa has not been found and that the matter is still under active investigation. RCMP further wish to advise that these rumours are causing a great deal of anguish and distress to Lisa's family."
Young went missing on the Canada Day long weekend last year and police believe she was a victim of foul play. So far they have been unable to collect enough evidence to confirm what happened to her, or to make an arrest.
Times Colonist, April 4, 2004 "The case Nanaimo can't forget" (Jim Gibson) • Clip • Source (newspapers.com)
"Aliens are the only ones we haven't heard," observes Nanaimo RCMP Const. Jack Eubank.
Eubank insists the case is still alive.
"It was a long weekend and downtown," says Eubank, "was "a happenin' place"."
It is not unusual for police to be vague about possible future evidence, particularly in what Eubank calls "a complex investigation."
[Lisa's parents] even received a letter, basically cutting them off from further details from the RCMP.
At one time [Lisa's father] began e-mailing the grandparent, until he was warned off by the RCMP. Eubank won't confirm this or even that Joanne Young late in July 2002 was taken by RCMP to confront the Jaguar driver, in a small room with a large photo of her daughter and a white board on which the troubling words, "Rape," "murder" and "accident" were written. "It was a brief meeting," she reports, in which she asked the driver to tell her where her daughter was. She remembers him saying something like "I can't," before pausing and then trailing off with "I'm sorry, I don't mean to disrespect your family." ... "He doesn't look like a monster," she recalls telling the RCMP officer. "Monsters," he replied, "come in all shapes and sizes." While the RCMP won't confirm any of this, those familiar with RCMP investigation techniques say Young's account is plausible.
Don Young's last encounter with the RCMP was chilly. He had warned them he was planning to update the posters. The new batch would be more than just photos and a description. The new ones would name the driver. The RCMP asked the Youngs not to do this. Last January, the Youngs went ahead anyway.
Nanaimo Daily News, April 25, 2006 "Four years, still no answers" (Paul Walton) • Clip • Source (newspapers.com)
Staff Sgt. Randy Munro, head of the Nanaimo RCMP serious crimes unit, said "the investigation continues." He could say no more. "Anything that comes to our attention province-wide, we're following up," said Munro. "So far, there's been nothing."
Nanaimo Daily News, October 12, 2006 "Missing Women's task Force comes to Vancouver Island" • Source (newspapers.com)
Staff Sgt. Randy Munro, head of the Nanaimo RCMP serious crimes section, said he "is unaware of any unsolved cases or victims from Nanaimo that may be linked with the task force investigation. One outstanding missing person's case in this city, that of Lisa Marie Young, does not fit the time frame of the task force investigation," he said. "Young was not a sex-trade worker."
Nanaimo Daily News, December 21, 2007 "Families hope for justice" (Paul Walton) • Clip • Source (newspapers.com)
""We never close a murder file,"" [Sgt. Dwight Dammann] said.
Nanaimo Daily News, June 24, 2008 "Remembering Lisa Marie" (Paul Walton) • Clip • Source (newspapers.com)
"Basically the police have said Lisa Marie's file is still open. They can't share anything else with me because they say it may jeopardize the investigation," said Joanne Young. While she understands that the officers working on the case have good reasons to remain tight-lipped, Joanne Young remains frustrated. "The only time we hear from them is when we call them," she said. Sgt. Doug Hogg, with the Nanaimo RCMP serious crimes unit, said the investigation into Young's disappearance remains open and very active" but could say little more. "We haven't shelved it and nor will we," said Hogg.
Times Colonist, September 22, 2008 "RCMP withheld info on unsolved files" (Rob Shaw) • Clip • Source (timescolonist.com)
The RCMP, however, said releasing a list of all 114 unsolved files, some of which date back to 1924, would compromise investigations and upset families. "The broad scope of your request would identify all files as unsolved homicides, which may or may not be the case," Const. Darren Lagan of Island District's strategic communications office wrote in a July 31 e-mail. "The RCMP investigates all suspicious deaths as homicides, until such time as evidence proves otherwise. Given this fact, there may well be incidents contained in the 114 files, which ultimately, are not homicides. The families, and survivors of the deceased in these matters may be negatively impacted by media reports identifying their loved ones as part of 'unsolved homicide' files." Lagan said the decision to withhold the list was made after discussions with the investigators as well as Chief Supt. Rick Betker, commanding officer of the Island District. "The RCMP remains committed to these investigations, and the families involved," Lagan said. "Should this response not meet your satisfaction, you may choose to proceed further in ascertaining your requested information via an access to information request." The Times Colonist made a second attempt a week later, asking for a list of confirmed homicides that remain unsolved, as well as a separate list of all unsolved missing persons cases without indicating which might involve foul play. The RCMP has yet to respond.
Despite the lack of co-operation from senior RCMP officers, many detachment commanders, municipal police forces, retired police officers, and front-line investigators have been more helpful. The Times Colonist was able to compile a partial list of unsolved cases by calling detachments across the Island, speaking to ex-cops, and pulling old newspaper clippings.
RCMP headquarters placed a ban on detachment commanders from speaking to the media about the cases, referring questions to the E Division communications sections or to the Island District Major Crime Unit — an integrated unit of Mounties and Victoria police officers. The RCMP's unsolved homicide unit in Vancouver also refused interview requests. Late last week, the RCMP finally lifted the ban, but by then, a number of detachment commanders were unavailable for comment or didn't have time to review the files. The decision to withhold a comprehensive list of unsolved cases and thwart interviews represents a departure for the RCMP.
Nanaimo Daily News, May 19, 2009 "Police hope TV spot sheds light on cold case" (Danielle Bell) • Clip • Source (newspapers.com)
"We're hoping somebody may remember something," said Nanaimo RCMP spokesman Const. Gary O'Brien. "We're hoping it [the Crime Stoppers re-enactment video] generates discussion."
Ha-Shilth-Sat, June 18, 2009 "Lisa Marie disappearance remains a mystery still" (Denise Titian) • Clip • Source (issuu.com)
Constable Gary O'Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP said the remains, although unidentified, were "absolutely not Lisa Marie." The RCMP notified Don and Joanne Young, Lisa's parents, of their findings later that evening.
Vancouver Sun, February 26, 2011 "Nanaimo RCMP appeal for help" • Clip • Source (newspapers.com)
"Someone knows what happened to her and the time to call is now," Const. Gary O'Brien said.
Nanaimo News Bulletin, July 16, 2011 "Annual walk, vigil planned for missing woman" (Chris Bush) • Clip • Source (issuu.com)
"None," said Const. Gary O'Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman. "It's still an active investigation."
Nanaimo News Bulletin, June 21, 2012 "Candlelight vigil held for Lisa Marie, Mounties still investigate case" (Chris Bush) • Clip • Source (issuu.com)
"Based on the evidence gathered - and we have thousands of pieces of documentation, we have hundreds of tips, we have Crime Stoppers tips, we have the public calling, it's brought to the public's attention every year through the family's vigilance with their walks and not letting her memory fade — our members continue to work this file and, hopefully someday we'll get a break and we'll find out what happened,"" O'Brien said.
Nanaimo News Bulletin, June 27, 2013 "Nanaimo mother organizes vigil and walk to remember missing daughter" (Chris Bush) • Clip • Source (issuu.com)
"The case is active and will remain active until such time it is determined what happened to Lisa Marie," said Const. Gary O'Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman. "The vigil is important to not only her family and friends, but also to remind the public of her disappearance. Someone out there knows something and we need to hear from them."
NWAC, May 1, 2015 "Story Telling - Lisa Marie Young (PDF)" (Allison Crowe) • Source (nwac.ca)
Frantic, Joanne and Don decided to call the police. They knew something was wrong, yet the officer who took the call seemed unconcerned. "He said, 'She's only been missing a short time' and that I'd have to call back in 48 hours," remembers Joanne.
Joanne also raises concerns around communication with police. "The only time we hear from them is when we call them," she says. In the summer of 2009, unidentified human remains were found in an area north of Nanaimo. Although police promised to warn the family if something like this were to happen, the family found out through a journalist who called to tell them that a story on the discovery would be airing that night. "The media really speculated...they said it might be Lisa," says Joanne. The family did not know what to think. They hardly got any sleep that night. Finally, days later, they got a call from the police. They said that it was a "courtesy call" to let them know that the remains were not Lisa. Joanne says it has been mainly the same detectives working on Lisa's case, although there have been some changes. "Reassignments are always difficult. You get to know and trust someone, she explains, and suddenly there is someone else involved and they may seem less personable or willing to talk to you. Or they say the same thing over and over: There are no new developments. It is very frustrating, particularly because the police rarely contact the family anymore." Still, the RCMP maintains the investigation remains active and, despite everything, Joanne believes that many of the officers have their heart in finding Lisa. One of the detectives in the Serious Crime Unit has her picture by his desk.
Toronto Star, August 6, 2016 "Inquiry brings back memories of Nanaimo woman missing since 2002" (Verity Stevenson) • Source (thestar.com)
Const. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP said the last Lisa Marie was heard of was when she left the party to get food with a man she and her friends met that night. Though the man she was with was later identified by police (as confirmed by Nanaimo RCMP to the Star), and a number of people were questioned by police, no arrests have been made in connection with her disappearance. Police say her case remains unsolved and is part of the RCMP’s database of more than 1,181 missing and murdered indigenous women. Const. O’Brien said the case is still very active and is considered an "unsolved missing (case), believed to be a homicide." He said as many resources as possible were devoted to it from early on, but wouldn’t comment on whether there had been any new developments.
NanaimoNewsNow, June 30, 2018 "16 years later: Family and friends hold on to memories of Lisa Marie Young" (Spencer Sterritt) • Source (nanaimonewsnow.com)
RCMP Cst. Gary O'Brien said "both files are active investigations and won't be considered closed."
Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly, July 11, 2018 "Sweet 16 and still missing" (Nora O'Malley) • Clip • Source (issuu.com)
Constable Gary O'Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP re-iterated. "This is not collecting dust. It will always be an open investigation," he said. "We believe that there is somebody out there that has information that can assist with the investigation and we need to hear from them. They can go to any police detachment in Canada or anywhere in the world and talk to a police officer. If they want to remain anonymous, they can call the generic Crime Stoppers line."
O'Brien said a substantial amount of tips have come in regarding Lisa Marie's case. "Every one of those tips has been investigated and it's essential that we do so. It's been 16 years. There have been a lot of investigators. There's always a fresh set of eyes; we are always looking at ways to move forward with it. That file will never be closed until we find out who is responsible for her disappearance and hold them accountable," said Cst. O'Brien.
Cst. O'Brien, who knew Lisa Marie when she was a teenager, represented the Nanaimo RCMP at the vigil. "I remember the call from her good friend the night she went missing. "Hey, Gary, I can't get a hold of Lisa Marie, we're really, really worried for her." And unbeknownst to me, the investigation had already started," he remembers.
Ha-Shilth-Sa, June 24, 2019 "Legacy of Lisa Marie Young to hang in Tofino" (Eric Plummer) • Source (hashilthsa.com)
The investigation into Lisa's disappearance continues, and last year the family met with the RCMP's Major Crimes Unit, who brought a binder with more than 800 tips related to the case.
Nanaimo News Bulletin, January 3, 2020 "Person of interest in Makayla Chang murder case arrested on unrelated charge" (Chris Bush) • Source (nanaimobulletin.com)
Kerry Chang, Makayla's father, said he was informed of Bacon's arrest Friday when two RCMP investigators arrived at his residence with a question for Janine Vautour, Makayla's mother, regarding some information they were following up on in the investigation into Lisa Marie Young's disappearance in 2002 and informed him during the conversation that Bacon had been arrested. "They're still following up on a lot of information they have, and I guess they just took it for granted that we knew already," Chang said
NanaimoNewsNow, June 5, 2020 "Podcast breathes new life into historic case of missing Nanaimo woman" (Ian Holmes) • Source (nanaimonewsnow.com)
O'Brien said their detachment still receives tips in Young's disappearance. "We're always following up, it's a very active file," O'Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW. He said people know what happened to Young and implores them to come forward. "We're still hoping to hear from people we have not heard of before, because we know they're out there," O'Brien said.
CTV News, June 28, 2020 "March honours memory of missing Nanaimo woman" (Ian Holliday) • Source (ctvnews.ca)
"It's very active," said Nanaimo RCMP media relations officer Const. Gary O'Brien of the case. "It's been 18 years. We've got a number of investigators working on it and people have come forward, recently. We're following up on tips."
"For whatever reason, some people may not have come forward then," O'Brien said. "We need to hear from those people. We know there's people out there who have information that can move this investigation forward."
Times Colonist, June 28, 2020 "Remembering Lisa Marie Young, 18 years after she disappeared" (Jeff Bell) • Source (timescolonist.com)
Nanaimo RCMP Const. Gary O'Brien said police are still involved in the case. "The investigators are continuing to work that file and are continuing to move forward," he said. "They interviewed a lot of people, other people have come forward, we're still following up on every lead." He said police hoped to draw some attention by appearing on a podcast about Young by Laura Palmer and requesting information about the case. "We also centred on the impact it's had on the community and the family."
House of Commons, October 8, 2020 "Debates (Hansard) No. 12 - October 8, 2020 (43-2) at 1525 M.P. Paul Manly" (Paul Manly) • Source (ourcommons.ca)
[MP Paul Manly:] "People phoned the RCMP right away, and they started to raise awareness about her being missing. An RCMP officer came by and had a discussion with them, but then went away. He was away, off duty, for five days. When they talked to someone else, that person said they should give it 48 hours."
"The RCMP dismissed an urgent call from a witness who is believed to be an associate and accomplice of Lisa's killers who called to alert the Young family that Lisa's body was being moved at the moment it was being moved from the original location. The RCMP ignored that call, basically saying that she was not a credible witness, mainly because she was tied to criminals, there might have been drugs involved and she might have been street-involved."
"The RCMP failed to respond to other members of the public seeking to provide information on Lisa's disappearance or murder. In some instances, police have entirely failed to respond. In other instances, their response has been delayed. One informant, a former associate of the prime suspect believed to be Lisa's killer, one of several responsible in her death, called the RCMP in 2006 to report details of Lisa's murder, a videotape of the crime and more."
"Once the podcast was released this summer, the RCMP started actually doing some interviews of people."
CHEK News, December 17, 2020 "Nanaimo RCMP conduct new searches in nearly two-decade-old case" (Kendall Hanson) • Source (cheknews.ca)
"One neighbour who didn't want to be identified for fear of retribution recalls seeing what looked like a body in a hammock in the backyard of the Nanaimo Lakes Road home around the time that Lisa Young went missing. Soon after, he says he saw equipment moving soil around in the back yard. He says he reported this to the police at the time."
"Unfortunately Crimestoppers and the Nanaimo RCMP don't work together anymore. If you report a tip to Crimestoppers the police will not look into it. This is because of changes to the law. So if you have information we need you to go directly to the police. Corporal Markus Muntener is the lead investigator of Lisa's case and he is working hard to find Lisa."
"This is the primary case that explains how Crime Stoppers Tips must be handled. If a tip is disclosed inadvertently or police act on that tip in a way that creates evidence then charges can be stayed by Crown. AKA the file never goes to court.
Update on Lisa Marie Young missing person investigation
Nanaimo 2021-06-25 13:00 PDT File # 2021
Lisa Marie Young - missing persons poster
March for Justice poster
At 12 pm on Saturday June 26, 2021 the Nanaimo RCMP will be hosting a press conference on the front steps of the Nanaimo detachment. The purpose of the press conference is to provide an update on the status of the Lisa Marie Young missing person investigation. Following the press conference, attendees are encouraged to walk to Maffeo Sutton Park where a number of community leaders will be speaking. (see attached poster)
"Lisa Marie disappeared in the early morning hours of June 30, 2002 and she would have celebrated her 40th birthday earlier this year. Since her disappearance, investigators have considered her case a homicide. All information received, either from years ago or just recently, and can be corroborated, is being pursued," said Corporal Markus Muntener, lead investigator on this case.
Recently, investigators received credible information that has lead to detailed searches being carried out at several locations throughout Nanaimo. As information is analysed and received, there is a possibility that further searches may also be carried out. These searches are conducted by officers trained in search techniques and use the latest in search technology.
The investigation has spanned over 19 years but police are still encouraging witnesses to come forward. Over the course of the investigation, numerous individuals for various reasons, have decided to come forward and provide important information. Some of these witnesses were previously uncomfortable speaking with police. ""With the passage of time and change in their circumstances and lifestyle, they now feel it is the right thing to do and have provided key statements to the police"', said Muntener.
Investigators are encouraging anyone who has not come forward to do so. Police are also asking if anyone has previously passed on information to police and are unclear if the information was received or not, to reach out to the investigative team. To provide information on the disappearance of Lisa Marie Young, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
Released by Cst. Gary O'Brien Media Relations Officer Nanaimo RCMP nanaimo.rcmp-grc.gc.ca 303 Prideaux St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 2N3 Office: 250-755-3257 Cell: 250-713-0701 Fax: 250-755-3238 Email: gary.obrien@rcmp-grc.gc.ca Date modified: 2021-06-25
CHEK News, June 26, 2021 "Nanaimo RCMP plead for more information regarding disappearance of Lisa Marie Young" (Nicholas Pescod) • Source (cheknews.ca)
On Saturday, Nanaimo RCMP held their first news conference about the case in years, outside of their detachment.
Const. Gary O'Brien, Nanaimo RCMP media spokesperson, said during the press conference that he wished the event was being held to make a major announcement in the case, but that simply isn't the case. While foul play was immediately suspected after she went missing, no arrests have ever been made and her whereabouts remain a mystery.
Instead, he told reporters that with the 19-year anniversary of Young's disappearance fast approaching, investigators have been working hard over the years and continue to work the case.
"The reality is she has been missing for 19 years and she would have celebrated her 40th birthday earlier this year," he said. "We've had a number of investigators in 19 years work on this file and everyone their single goals was to find out what happened to her, hold those accountable for their actions and most importantly, to bring her home."
Cpl. Markus Muntener, lead investigator of the case, told reporters "there have been numerous searches for Young conducted in the past year alone due to new information.
Those searches were extensive in detail and we have more of those searches planned in the future at some point," he said. Additionally, Muntener revealed that investigators have heard from multiple witnesses, who had previously not come forward, have also come forward. "It took great courage for those people to come forward and provide information that is credible and important for the investigation," he said. "A lot of those people may not have been comfortable doing that early on in this investigation but through the course of time and changes in their circumstances, they have come forward."
However, despite whatever progress has been made, Young remains missing and Muntener pleaded with anyone who hasn't come forward with information to speak with investigators. "For those people who haven't come forward, just knowing that other people have come forward and talked to us and provided us statements, should hopefully give you some peace of mind and give you the courage to come forward and talk to us and help move things forward," he said. Cpl. Markus Muntener of Nanaimo RCMP speaking with media about the Lisa Young case Const. Hailey Pinfold, who is also assigned to the case, said "investigators have been approaching the case with an open mind. What we really want people to take away is that we are here to listen," she said. "We want anybody who thinks they might have any information, whether it be a small piece of information or the spoke to the police 18 years ago and they feel that they still have that piece of information, we are just asking that people come talk to us because we are here to listen."
Ha-Shilth-Sa, June 26, 2021 "'Bring peace to Lisa': Police continue with investigation using new techniques" (Eric Plummer) • Source (hashilthsa.com)
Const. Hayley Pinfold and Corp. Markus Muntener said that since they took over the file in late 2018 police have introduced techniques into the investigation, such as a police dog and ground-penetrating radar. "When you're dealing with potential areas that are large, that's the kind of technique you have to use to narrow things down," said Muntener of the radar method. "Since Hayley and I have started the investigation we've had numerous people come forward.""
"We're just asking that people come talk to us, because we are here to listen to everybody no matter what their circumstances are now or in the past," said Const. Pinfold. "We are coming at this investigation from an open-minded approach. We're reviewing all our information on our investigation, whether it's historic or information that's coming in currently, and we're assessing that information to determine and prioritize how we're going to go forward." Corp. Muntener added that over the years the file has become enormous, including 15,000 documents' and hundreds of witnesses. "When we're talking about witnesses from 19 years ago, it's much more challenging to go back and corroborate that," he admitted, "although a valid piece of information could open up the mystery into what happened to the young woman. That could change overnight if an important person comes forward and talks to us that adds a very significant part of that puzzle."'
Nanaimo News Bulletin, June 26, 2021 "Nanaimo RCMP use new information and technology in case of missing woman Lisa Marie Young" (Karl Yu) • Source (nanaimobulletin.com)
Many investigators have worked on the file over the 19 years and Cpl. Markus Muntener, current co-lead investigator, said "new information has come to light." Muntener said there is information he can't share, "as it is an active investigation, but police have completed numerous searches in the last year. That's based on new information coming in and based on historic information and those searches were extensive and detailed and we have more of those searches planned in the future," Muntener said. Police have employed modern technology to assist with the investigation including the use of a police dog and ground-penetrating radar. "When you're dealing with potential [search] areas that are large, that's the kind of technique that you have to use to try and narrow things down just to manage the resources that you have," Muntener said. He and co-lead investigator Const. Hayley Pinfold said "investigators have been aided by people coming forward who previously weren't comfortable talking to police.""It took great courage for those people to come forward and provide us statements and provide information that is credible and important for the investigation and a lot of those people may not have been comfortable doing that early on in this investigation," said Muntener. "There may be other people out there in the same situation and police hope they will come forward as well. It may just a small part of the puzzle, it's still important information that we need those people to come forward and provide statements to us," Muntener said.
NanaimoNewsNow, June 26, 2021 "New information in Lisa Marie Young's disappearance after several people come forward" (Ian Holmes) • Source (nanaimonewsnow.com)
Lead investigator Cpl. Markus Muntener said "numerous witnesses" came forward recently in the Lisa Marie Young case whom were previously hesitant about talking to police. "A lot of those people may not have been comfortable doing that early on in this investigation, but through the course of time and changes in their circumstances they've come forward to do that," Muntener said in a public address on Saturday, June 26. During a statement on the front steps of the Nanaimo RCMP detachment, Cpl. Muntener said police "know there are other people in the same situation who aren't enthusiastic about coming forward." He spoke directly to those people, emphasizing even a small piece of information could help in a big way. "Just knowing that other people have come forward and talked to us and provided statements should hopefully give you some piece of mind and perhaps give you the courage to come forward and talk to us. Numerous searches for Young have taken place in the last year," Cpl. Muntener said, based on new and historical information. He said additional future searches at undisclosed locations are planned. "Obviously finding Lisa would be really significant and we haven't done that yet. But It's hard for me to say that we have a small little bit left to do, but that can change overnight," Muntener told reporters. He said ground-penetrating radar has been used, along with dedicated search teams and help from a trained police dog for searches done in an extensive, thorough manner. Cpl. Muntener said the "active and ongoing" large-scale investigation involves some 15,000 documents and hundreds of witnesses. Cst. Hayley Pinfold is assisting Cpl. Muntener in the Lisa Young case. She said they're taking an "open-minded approach and reviewing all information that comes in, whether it's new or historical. We're just asking that people come talk to us, we're here to listen to everybody no matter their circumstances now or in the past," Cst. Pinfold said.
Times Colonist, June 26, 2021 "Police using new witness statements to search for Nanaimo woman who vanished in 2002" (Darron Kloster) • Source (timescolonist.com)
Cpl. Markus Muntener, lead investigator, told a news conference Saturday police are using ground-penetrating radar after receiving information from new witness statements at undisclosed sites around Nanaimo and have recently been using a dog trained in finding human remains. Further searches are planned as information is gathered from witnesses, police said. With the passage of time and change in their circumstances and lifestyle, they now feel it is the right thing to do and have provided key statements to the police, said Muntener. He said the case involves all seven officers in Nanaimo RCMP's homicide division. "About 15,000 documents have been collected and hundreds of people have been interviewed. Any new information is important," said Muntener. "It opens another door."
RCMP encouraged anyone who may have information to come forward, hoping some witnesses who may have been uncomfortable talking to police in the past will do so now. "We want other people out there who may have information to come forward. Come talk to us, and help us move the investigation forward," said Muntener.
CTV News, June 27, 2021 "More witnesses have come forward in Lisa Marie Young case, RCMP say" (Ian Holliday) • Source (ctvnews.ca)
Nanaimo RCMP held a news conference Saturday to provide an update on their investigation into the case of Lisa Marie Young, who was last seen leaving a nightclub in the city early in the morning of June 30, 2002. Police say "numerous witnesses" who were previously afraid to speak out about the case have now come forward, but investigators are still looking for key pieces of information that will advance the file. "Obviously, finding Lisa would be really significant and we haven't done that yet">, said Cpl. Markus Muntener, of Nanaimo RCMP's Serious Crime Unit. It's hard for me to just say we have a small little bit left to do, but that could change overnight, Muntener added. "If an important person comes forward and talks to us that adds a very significant piece of the puzzle, then that could change."
CHEK News, February 1, 2022 "Large reward offered for information about Lisa Marie Young" (Kendall Hanson) • Source (cheknews.ca)
"Anything that helps bring information to the investigation is a positive thing and hopefully this is something that will do that," said Cpl. Markus Muntener, with Nanaimo RCMP who has been leading the investigation in recent years. "We believe there are still witnesses out there that have information that they're potentially holding back from us for various reasons but we're hoping that this might be enough to encourage some of those people to bring those final pieces forward to us," said Cst. Hayley Pinfold, another investigator on the case from Nanaimo RCMP. While the reward offering is independent of police, Mounties believe finding her remains is the break they need. "Significantly important. It's real tangible evidence and material things that can further the investigation. It can lead to a lot of new avenues of investigation," said Muntener.
Alberni Valley Times, February 2, 2022 "$50,000 reward offered for location of missing Vancouver Island woman's remains" (Chris Bush) • Source (albernivalleynews.com)
Cpl. Markus Muntener of Nanaimo RCMP's serious crimes unit, lead investigator on the case since 2018, said police believe the reward could bring forward new information, "which would benefit the investigation, obviously, and at the same time help the family get some closure if her remains are located," Muntener said. "We have to basically corroborate and assess information if it does come through to us." He said finding Young's remains could provide physical evidence that could be used to "assess other information in the investigation" that could further the file. Finding her remains could have a significant positive impact... he said. "We've had quite a few years where we've been able to dedicate a lot of resources to it. Unfortunately last year Nanaimo had five murders, so our unit's been heavily taxed away, but we're still actively investigating things as they come in." Muntener said police believe there are people who have direct evidence or information and they're hoping the reward will motivate those people to come forward.
Nanaimo News Bulletin, February 2, 2022 "$50,000 reward offered for location of missing Nanaimo woman's remains" (Chris Bush) • Source (nanaimobulletin.com)
Frank said she knows and has spoken with the person who has put up the reward and the decision was made that the reward money would only be for locating Young's remains. "Cyndy and I actually met with the lead investigator and discussed this too and that's what we want," Frank said.
NanaimoNewsNow, June 26, 2022 "Disappearance of Nanaimo woman approaches 20 years as quest for answers continues" (Ian Holmes) • Source (nanaimonewsnow.com)
Cst. Gary O'Brien said their serious crimes investigators continue reviewing new tips that continue to come in. He said new investigators have worked the case in recent years, bringing fresh sets of eyes and new techniques. "When information comes to light and we feel there's a need a search will be done or an area will be canvassed — we'll do whatever is necessary to find out who's responsible for this," O'Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW.
Cst. O'Brien said there are other people locally who have chosen for whatever reason to withhold potentially valuable information. "We still need to speak to them. Don't assume that we have the information, you may have a piece that moves this investigation further," O'Brien said.
CHEK News, June 26, 2022 "Community marches for Lisa Young 20 years after she went missing in Nanaimo" (Kendall Hanson) • Source (cheknews.ca)
Among those taking part in the march are a pair of Nanaimo’s RCMP’s lead investigators in Lisa Young’s file who say they get new tips a few times each month. “There are still people coming forward. None of that has broken the case wide open but it’s like putting together a big puzzle so every time someone comes in and talks to us and gives us a little bit more with that puzzle it helps us along,” said Cpl. Markus Muntener, with Nanaimo RCMP.
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