A woman whose friend went missing in Nanaimo 23 years ago continues to search and raise awareness about the case.
Lisa Marie Young, a 21-year-old Indigenous woman, went missing on June 30, 2002, and Cyndy Hall says it has been difficult on her and Young's family. She has a good working relationship with Nanaimo RCMP's Serious Crimes Unit and does some work herself, most recently with a search in the Qualicum Beach area, aided by volunteers.
Metal detectors were used, said Hall, as Young had bolts placed in surgery to repair a broken ankle, as well as "shovel testing," which consists of sectioning off an area, digging a deep hole and sifting through the earth for evidence, with assistance of a "forensic screen."
"We find items … we would turn them over to the police, and then they just keep them as exhibits, because as they learn more about the file, stuff can make sense," Hall said. "So we don't know if we've ever found anything significant, but we do give over certain items."
Const. Hayley Pinfold and Cpl. Tim Mason are handling the investigation and Hall is hopeful that a break is coming.
"The current investigators have been working hard, and new people have been coming forward with information that they didn't feel safe giving or (felt) that they wouldn't have been listened to in the past … When we get a piece of information and we give it to them, we know it's being followed up on," she said.
A Lisa Marie Walk for Justice takes place Sunday, June 29, beginning at the Nanaimo RCMP detachment at 303 Prideaux St. at 11 a.m. and concluding at Maffeo Sutton Park. Hall said the procession has ranged from 80-100 people in the past and she is hoping for strong attendance.
"The more people we have, the more people that can spread awareness about Lisa, and they can see the pain her family is still in 23 years later," she said.
Pinfold and Mason will be at the march and are willing to talk to the public, including people with information, according to Hall.
Anyone with information on Young's disappearance is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP's non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, asking for Pinfold or Mason, said Hall.
For more information, go to www.facebook.com/groups/35766644425/.
