A flurry of activity on a rural property about forty five minutes west of Prince George is bringing to life the memories of those that may have fallen victim to the infamous Highway of Tears, the lengthy and at times isolated roadway of Highway 16 between Prince Rupert and Prince George.
.
After what is now years of little new developments in the many cases that mark RCMP files, many British Columbians are wondering if the current examination of the rural property in Isle Pierre may yield clues and/or horror in at least one of the current files listed under the Highway of Tears caseload.
The family of Nicole Hoar, an Alberta tree planter who went missing just west of Prince George in 2002 confirmed for the media on Thursday that the RCMP had contacted them to advise that there may be new developments in her missing person’s case.
The focus of what many hope is a break in Ms Hoar’s case and perhaps others is the former property of a one time Isle Pierre resident, Leland Vincent Switzer.
Switzer was convicted of the murderer of his brother back in 2002, an event which in an eerie bit of timing, took place two days after the disappearance of Ms. Hoar, who was last seen not far from that Isle Pierre turn off.
A number of news items in recent days highlight some of the concerns of neighbors and residents of Isle Pierre, when it comes to the topic of the former owner of the property and his interaction with his fellow residents.
After what is now years of little new developments in the many cases that mark RCMP files, many British Columbians are wondering if the current examination of the rural property in Isle Pierre may yield clues and/or horror in at least one of the current files listed under the Highway of Tears caseload.
The family of Nicole Hoar, an Alberta tree planter who went missing just west of Prince George in 2002 confirmed for the media on Thursday that the RCMP had contacted them to advise that there may be new developments in her missing person’s case.
The focus of what many hope is a break in Ms Hoar’s case and perhaps others is the former property of a one time Isle Pierre resident, Leland Vincent Switzer.
Switzer was convicted of the murderer of his brother back in 2002, an event which in an eerie bit of timing, took place two days after the disappearance of Ms. Hoar, who was last seen not far from that Isle Pierre turn off.
A number of news items in recent days highlight some of the concerns of neighbors and residents of Isle Pierre, when it comes to the topic of the former owner of the property and his interaction with his fellow residents.
.
Prince George Citizen-- Neighbours recall convicted killer that lived at Isle Pierre acreage
Prince George Free Press-- RCMP seek Nicole Hoar's remains in Isle Pierre
.
With a mobile command post and a mobile forensics unit on scene and yellow police tape surrounding the property, the quiet rural area is suddenly the centre of a media glare that could certainly change their peaceful setting for months if not years to come.
For 18 families seeking closure from their heartbreak, news from that property search will be anxiously awaited, no doubt with fear that the worst may come to pass, but with equal concern that at least some kind of information and a break in these haunting mysteries may come from the efforts of investigators.
The first case in the known list of the disappeared or murdered dates back some forty years, over those forty years, thirteen of the cases have been classified as homicides, while five others remain listed a missing. Two of the eighteen case files, Alberta Williams and Tamara Chipman are from the Prince Rupert area.
.
With a mobile command post and a mobile forensics unit on scene and yellow police tape surrounding the property, the quiet rural area is suddenly the centre of a media glare that could certainly change their peaceful setting for months if not years to come.
For 18 families seeking closure from their heartbreak, news from that property search will be anxiously awaited, no doubt with fear that the worst may come to pass, but with equal concern that at least some kind of information and a break in these haunting mysteries may come from the efforts of investigators.
The first case in the known list of the disappeared or murdered dates back some forty years, over those forty years, thirteen of the cases have been classified as homicides, while five others remain listed a missing. Two of the eighteen case files, Alberta Williams and Tamara Chipman are from the Prince Rupert area.
.
Prince Rupert Daily News (2006)-- Seventeen Years later cold case still hold's Rupert's interest
.
The RCMP however have been quick to outline how this investigation in Isle Pierre, should not be compared to the infamous Pickton farm investigation.
.
As things stand at the moment, Opinion 250 in Prince George quotes RCMP media liaison Corporal Annie Linteau as saying "We have no information to indicate we should be looking for any more than one homicide victim"
Still, news of some forward movement on even one of those eighteen files would be a welcome development.
Equally important is the fact that we once again have our attention returned to the list of unsolved murders and disappearances, bringing the victims and their families to the focus of our thoughts.
Still, news of some forward movement on even one of those eighteen files would be a welcome development.
Equally important is the fact that we once again have our attention returned to the list of unsolved murders and disappearances, bringing the victims and their families to the focus of our thoughts.
.
A break in one case, may provide the momentum that triggers a memory of the others, giving hope to other families that closure may soon come to their homes as well.
The police efforts on that property have been the top item on the agenda of the provincial and national media over the last few days, many of the links to current articles and items on the search of that Isle Pierre property can be found below.
The police efforts on that property have been the top item on the agenda of the provincial and national media over the last few days, many of the links to current articles and items on the search of that Isle Pierre property can be found below.
Globe and Mail-- RCMP hope property search will bring ‘Highway of Tears' breakthrough
Globe and Mail--A haunting road for hitchhikers
Globe and Mail-- Parents say RCMP search is for their missing daughter
.
National Post-- Police search murderer's property for remains
.
CBC News Daybreak North-- Highway of Tears case reopened (audio report)
CBC Television-- Interview with RCMP media liaison Annie Linteau (video report)
.
Vancouver Province-- Police digging for evidence on lot near Prince George
Vancouver Province-- Police investigate historical homicide near Prince George
.
Vancouver Sun-- Woman’s parents hope for answers
Vancouver Sun-- Murder and Racism along the Highway of Tears
Vancouver Sun-- RCMP investigate "historical homicide" in Prince George
.
Prince George Citizen-- Isle Pierre search may bring closure in Nicole Hoar case
Prince George Citizen-- Searching for Nicole
Prince George Citizen-- Hoar family hoping for breakthrough
Prince George Citizen-- Former property owner 'person of interest'
.
Opinion 250-- Police Now Confirm Search Is For Remains of Nicole Hoar
Opinion 250-- Hoar family issues Statement
Opinion 250-- P. I. Hopes RCMP search yields results
.
Prince George Free Press-- HIGHWAY OF TEARS - Historical murder investigation underway on Prince George farm
Prince George Free Press-- Homicide unit searching property at Isle Pierre
.
RCMP Media Release-- Prince George- Statement from Hoar family
RCMP Media Release-- Prince George - Search at Rural Property continues
RCMP Media Release-- Prince George - Unsolved Homicide Unit Investigators Conducting Search on Remote Property
.
.
Photos above: left, Globe and Mail location map and list of victims or disappeared, right, CBC photo of the investigation scene in Isle Pierre
No comments:
Post a Comment