A march from the Nanaimo RCMP detachment to Maffeo Sutton Park led to plenty of motorists honking in support of Lisa Marie Young. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

Historic investigation

Family, friends & Nanaimo RCMP remain focused on solving Lisa Young case

Jun 30, 2024 | 2:43 PM

NANAIMO — While more than two decades have passed since the last time a Nanaimo woman was last seen, community-based advocacy efforts appear stronger than ever.

An annual justice march saw around 80 people walk from the Nanaimo RCMP detachment to a larger gathering at Maffeo Sutton Park on Sunday, June 30 in honour of Lisa Marie Young.

The Nanaimo woman was 21-years-old when she suspiciously vanished in the early morning hours of June 30, 2002 after friends reported she accepted a ride with a man to get food in central Nanaimo.

Speaking at the march, Nanaimo RCMP Cpl. Markus Muntener told NanaimoNewsNOW it’s vitally important that people with knowledge about what happened to Young come forward.

“Especially after this much time passing, you’re very limited on your avenues that you can investigate, and it really comes down to the right person to come forward and talk to us and tell us the information that they might have.”

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Cpl. Muntener and Cst. Hayley Pinfold of the Nanaimo RCMP’s Serious Crime Unit were assigned to lead Young’s case in 2018.

Muntener acknowledged their investigation has been re-prioritized in recent years due to other pressing investigative needs.

That being said, Cpl. Muntener said the Lisa Young case remains active.

“We’ve been still continuing with tasks and witnesses that come forward, we’ve still interviewed them, we’ve still done searches despite the challenges resource-wise,” Cpl. Muntener said.

Cst. Pinfold said the investigation has taught her the importance of paying attention to small details.

She said it’s their hope that they’ll eventually hear from people who know where Young is and what happened to her.

“Sometimes things change, and people’s situations change over time and sometimes those things can work to our benefit if we catch people at the right moment,” Cst. Pinfold said.

No arrests or charges have ever arisen in connection to Young’s disappearance and presumed homicide.

Cst. Pinfold said police have identified suspects over the years, which remains the case presently.

“As far as specifics around that there’s not really anything we can talk about right now.”

Public Interest in Young’s case increased a few years ago following the release of a highly popular podcast series by Port Alberni resident Laura Palmer, who also attended Sunday’s march.

Several speakers and entertainers took to the stage at Lions Pavilion at Maffeo Sutton Park in support of Lisa Young.

Dozens of pictures of Lisa Young were placed around the pavilion at Maffeo Sutton Park. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Cyndy Hall is a staunch advocate for her lost friend, continually raising the case’s profile online and by leading private searches for Young’s remains around the mid Island region.

Hall said she’s not frustrated in any way with the police regarding a lack of answers, but rather feels letdown by those withholding vital elements many people need for proper closure.

“People out there know what happened to Lisa, they have information to bring her home and they are remaining silent. I understand fear, but if you do not work with police and tell them your info those offenders will stay on our streets and offend against people.”

While it’s extremely sad and disappointing every time Hall’s search efforts come up empty-handed, she believes they’ll get the answers they’re looking for one day.

“I am confident we will find her, we are getting closer, her file is very active with the police, they’re still conducting searches, they’re still showing up at the march and people are still coming forward,” Hall said.

Cyndy Hall continually raises awareness about her long-lost friend, Lisa Marie Young. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Carol Frank said it was encouraging seeing such strong support from the many people who care about her niece.

Frank had a message for people who know what happened to Lisa.

‘We won’t stop until we find Lisa and if they’re afraid just speak to the police anonymously,” Frank said.

A $50,000 US reward is available for information leading to Lisa Young’s, however tipsters cannot remain anonymous to claim the cash.

Anybody with information on Young’s case is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 1-250-754-2345.

Carol Frank holds a collage of pictures of her sorely missed niece and other family members during happier times. Young was a Vancouver Canucks fan. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes