Orange shirts dominated a march in support of missing Nanaimo woman Lisa Marie Young on Saturday, June 26. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

new tips

New information in Lisa Marie Young’s disappearance after several people come forward

Jun 26, 2021 | 12:18 PM

NANAIMO — Rejuvenated efforts to solve a presumed homicide has resulted in new tips considered by police to be “credible and important” to their investigation.

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.

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“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.

Police believe Young is deceased as a result of foul play.

She was last seen on June 30, 2002 after going to house parties in Nanaimo with friends.

There have been no arrests made in connection to Young’s disappearance.

Nanaimo RCMP previously confirmed the Young case led to a search of a Nanaimo Lakes Rd. property late last year, but wouldn’t provide further information.

Carol Martin-Frank, Young’s aunt, pleaded to anybody with information on where Young is is to speak up.

“If you could please come forward to help bring peace to Lisa and our family, thank you so much.” an emotional Martin-Frank said.

More than 100 people braved sweltering Saturday heat for an annual justice march for Young from the Nanaimo RCMP detachment to Maffeo Sutton Park.

The event also raises awareness of other missing and murdered Indigenous women.

Community leaders made statements and Indigenous performers took to the Lions Pavillion stage.

Barney Williams, one of Young’s two grandfather’s on hand, told the assembled crowd at the park a lack of closure continues hurting many people.

“Our hearts are filled with gratitude to see all of you for this support today, it’s very much appreciated,” Williams said.

Last year’s march generated enhanced community interest and media attention following a highly subscribed, in-depth podcast series examined the cold case.

Podcast host Laura Palmer said at this year’s event she believed the same people who come forward in her investigation also reached out to Nanaimo RCMP in recent months.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes