04/10/08: Michael Scullion, 30, Agassiz, BC, Canada

Richard MacInnes, 45, of Rosedale, B.C. has been charged with second degree murder and indignity to human remains in the death of Michael Scullion. Scullion’s body has never been found.
Police believe a fight may have occurred prior to Michael's death/disappearance.According to the Vancouver Sun, MacInnes has a prior conviction for production of a controlled substance and is known to have links in the upper Fraser Valley drug trade. 

MacInnes made his first court appearance on March 10 in the Chilliwack Provincial Court.


In the early morning hours of Thursday, April 10th, 2008, Michael Scullion, 30, of Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada was in an altercation outside the Agassiz Crossroads Hotel at 5936 Lougheed Highway near Agassiz, BC shortly after midnight. Scullion had been with friends at the hotel pub and when they came outside he was gone. He was reported missing to police that evening. He has had no contact with family or friends and has failed to show up for work or to collect his pay check, which is highly out of character for him.

A missing person's investigation began and within a few days, according to media reports, information learned by investigators suggested that Michael's disappearance was most likely the result of foul play. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team then assumed control of the investigation.

Scullion was last seen wearing a charcoal coloured hooded sweatshirt with a light grey pattern on the front, blue jeans and white runners. He is described as a Caucasian male with short brown hair, and had two days facial hair growth when last seen. Scullion is 5’11” tall and 180 lbs.

Investigators are hopeful that additional tips will continue to come in to assist in moving this investigation forward. If you have information on the whereabouts of Michael Scullion, or if you may have witnessed the altercation outside the Agassiz Crossroads Hotel shortly after midnight on Thursday, April 10, you are asked to call the IHIT TIP Line at 1-866-373-7886. The information you give will be treated as confidential. If you wish to remain anonymous please call CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Quick Facts:
Name/age: Michael Scullion, 30
Residence: Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada
Last seen: 04/10/08, Agassiz Crossroads Hotel, 5936 Lougheed Highway near Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada
Physical Description: Caucasian, 5’11,” 180 lbs, short brown hair. Wearing Charcoal-colored hooded sweatshirt with a light grey pattern on the front, blue jeans and white running shoes. Had two days facial hair growth when last seen.
Links: Facebook search page




Sources

(2014, March 10). Richard MacInnes charged in Michael Scullion cold case. CBS News. Retrieved April 24, 2014 from http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/richard-macinnes-charged-in-michael-scullion-cold-case-1.2567088

(2014, March 10). Charges laid in 2008 Agassiz murder. Vancouver Sun. Section: The Real Scoop. Retrieved April 24, 2014 from http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2014/03/10/charges-laid-in-2008-agassiz-murder/

 

10/4/06: Brandyn Dirienzo, 20, Chilliwack, BC, Canada

Brandyn Dirienzo is missing.
On October 4, 2006, 20-year old Brandyn Dirienzo from Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada, visited the Evergreen apartment complex on Bole Avenue in Chilliwack at approximately 8 p.m. Dirienzo has not been seen since. He was reported missing to the Chilliwack Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Since that time, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has been conducting an investigation into his disappearance, and is treating it as suspicious. Foul play has not been ruled out.

If you have any information concerning this case, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-373-7886.

Quick Facts:
Name/age: Brandyn Dirienzo, 20
Hometown: Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada
Last Seen: October 4, 2006 from Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada
Classification: Missing
Physical Description: White male, 5'11," 150 lbs., short curly brown hair, brown eyes. Last seen wearing black “G Unit” sweatshirt, black jeans and black shoes. He has "dad" tattooed on his left chest, and "BDLC" on his right forearm.

01/01/08: Derek Kelly, 31, Bridge Lake, BC, Canada

Derek Kelly

Bring Derek Kelly home.

Derek Kelly, 31, of Langley, British Columbia, was last seen at a New Year's Eve party in the area of Bridge Lake and Highway 24, near the city of 100 Mile House, British Columbia on Jan. 1, 2008.

Derek had made the trip to Bridge Lake, in the Cariboo region of British Columbia, on Dec. 30 with a new girlfriend and some friends and acquaintances. There were at least four and perhaps as many as eight in the party. Those friends returned to the Lower Mainland without Derek and didn’t notify the authorities or his family that he was missing. He was reported missing to the Langley RCMP by his family on January 16, 2008.

An extensive investigation by the Langley RCMP Serious Crime Unit has not located him. Although classified as a missing persons file, the matter is being treated as a homicide, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police has said.

The investigation has since been turned over to the North District Major Crimes Unit. Langley RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Peter Thiessen told the Langley Times, “It’s difficult to conduct an investigation from that distance. Combine that with the complexity of the investigation and the different directions it may be going, it requires the North District Major Crimes to take over the file.”

Red Oak tree planted to remember Jon Lacina

A red oak tree was planted on the Iowa State University campus today to commorate the life of Jon Lacina. The following article appeared on KCCI.com today:

Tom Lacina Talks Search, Support, Remembering His Son

ISU Student Found Dead In Former Dairy Barn
POSTED: 2:53 pm CDT April 18, 2010
UPDATED: 5:14 pm CDT April 22, 2010

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa State University officials and Jon Lacina's family planted a tree Thursday in memory of the student who went missing and was later found dead.

Jon Lacina's father, Tom, spoke Thursday at the memorial ceremony before the family and ISU students planned a tree in Jon's honor. Tom Lacina said the tree would be a constant reminder of Jon.

"Reminds us, I think, that we wanted to remember who Jon was and the delight he brought to our lives as a family, plus as the campus community," said Tom Lacina, Jon's father at the ceremony on Thursday. "As a reminder every day that he was here. And the consequence of his live will go on just like all of us who will someday not be here and we hope that that consequences goes on."

Jon Lacina was found dead in an abandoned building on the old ISU dairy farm. Authorities said it would be weeks until they have enough evidence from the autopsy and other tests to determine how he died.

Lacina, a graphic design major, was last seen leaving a campus gathering on Jan. 22. Friends thought he was heading home, but the barn where he was found is in the opposite direction.

The tree was planted Thursday outside the ISU College of Design where Lacina attended classes. More than 125 people attended the ceremony. Lacina's father, mother and brother helped plant the red oak tree.

Tom Lacina talked to KCCI on Thursday about the search for his son.

"Within 24 hours, they had already conducted a search with over 100 people, professionals and they continued diligently until the day they found Jon's body," said Tom Lacina.

Tom Lacina also talked about the support the family has received from the ISU community and people across Iowa.

"I probably have over a foot of letters from people very concerned from across the state of Iowa and wanting to support us in practical ways, but also just emotionally," said Tom Lacina.

Tom Lacina also talked about how he wants people to remember his son.

"The last two hours or three hours of his life doesn't define 21 years. So what everybody should take away is, is what they shared with him while he was living life fully. And that's what, if he was standing here beside me, he would say 'yes, that would be correct,'" said Tom Lacina.

The memorial service gave friends, family and colleagues a chance to grieve and remember Lacina as a hard-working student.

"Each day in class he would quietly go about his work, guided by his intuitive sense of design. We will always remember his bright friendly smile and we are honored to have worked with him as his instructors," said Professor Paul Bruski.

"Jon was not only an amazing friend, but a very talented artist. The smiles he brought to out faces and the memories made will never be forgotten," said Parker Peterson.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Grinnell at 10:30 a.m. Friday [4/23], followed by a public luncheon with the family.

Memorial donations can be made to the Jon Lacina Arts Fund at the Grinnell Area Arts Council, P.O. Box 657 in Grinnell, 50112.

Jon Lacina's obituary talked about his passion for art, music, nature, Legos, video games and great food. It said family and friends knew him as a quiet and sensible artist and musician, with a pleasant wit and an easy smile.

03/19/08: Kellen McElwee, 25, Langley, BC, Canada

Help bring Kellen McElwee home
Kellen Charles McElwee, 25, was last seen March 19, 2008 about 9 p.m. after leaving the Keg restaurant in Langley, B.C., east of Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada. He had been having dinner with some friends. He was parked at the nearby Colossus movie complex and spoke to friends by cellphone as he drove off.

Several days later, McElwee's bronze 2006 Honda Civic, 4 door was found abandoned on a quiet residential street---the 5100 block of Halifax Street--in Burnaby, British Columbia, a couple of miles from his apartment.

09/30/06: Aaron Derbyshire, 22, Kelowna, BC, Canada

Aaron Derbyshire is missing.

Aaron Charles Derbyshire, 22, was last seen on Saturday, September 30, 2006 at approximately 1:40 a.m. at Level Night Club (formally known as Splashes Night Club) located on Leon Avenue in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.

Derbyshire was at the club with a group of friends who last saw him went they went outside to investigate a fight outside the club. Derbyshire remained inside, and he has not been seen since.

Police have since said that they have received no credible tips placing Derbyshire at any other location after the bar.

Derbyshire's family reported him missing when he failed to show up for a planned rafting trip.

The Search for Aaron Derbyshire

"Any lead, no matter how small it may seem, could end up being important when added to what is already known."
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

According to The Province (12/26/06), "police have said they have no explanation for his disappearance and that he was not known to be involved with any illicit business. Also perplexing is that Aaron left his cellphone in his truck, which he parked at home, before going to the Level nightclub in downtown Kelowna. His mom said it was unusual for him to leave his phone behind since he always carried it with him. Aaron was carrying a bank draft for $6,500 made out in the name of a man from whom he was going to buy a Ski-Doo. But the draft was never cashed. His bank account has not been touched either."

In 2009, club owner Karli Wilson told Kelowna.com that staff members working on the night of Derbyshire's disappearance were never formally interviewed by police, making it impossible to know for sure what they may have seen. Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Const. Steve Holmes confirmed that no such interviews took place, but said that Wilson was given a photo of Derbyshire and asked to show it to staff to see if anyone recalled seeing him. “None of them recognized Aaron from the picture,” Holmes related. “None of them had any information, so none of them were interviewed.” Holmes said Wilson was told to phone police if any tips came in. None were reported. Wilson says she does not recall this exchange.

Wilson also says police never took the bar’s surveillance tapes from that night. But this is disputed by Holmes. “Our guy talked to the manager and we confirmed their video surveillance was not working, because they were in the process of upgrading it. So we had nothing to go on for video surveillance.”

According to the Kelowna.com article, "Wilson insisted the footage existed, but noted it would have automatically been erased after four days. Holmes said investigators went to the club on Oct. 3, 2006, the day they learned Derbyshire had been at the bar, which is at the limit of the four-day grace period."

The article notes that Wilson had been trying to battle "negative perceptions about her club in the wake of the missing persons investigation."

According to reports, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) members from the Serious Crimes Unit have investigated nearly 270 witnesses in the case. Any lead, no matter how small it may seem, could end up being important when added to what is already known. If you or someone you know saw Derbyshire around the time of his disappearance, call the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or email a tip from http://www.solvecrime.ca/. Your information will be kept strictly confidential and could lead to a reward of up to $2,000.

About Aaron Derbyshire

"If you have any information about Aaron Derbyshire, call the RCMP at(250)762-3300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477."

Aaron Derbyshire is the second of four boys in a tight-knit family. His mother, Glenda, told the Kelowna Capital News that she and her husband were high school sweethearts, both from large families themselves, who got married and started a family right away. "Our children, we believe, are a blessing to us," she said. She described Aaron as an amazing young man with a wonderful future ahead of him, and said she and his family miss him every day. She added that it is out of character for their son to go missing and, "there's no reason that anybody would want to hurt him."

Aaron is described as "a vibrant, handsome and loving young man who has everything in life going for him. He is an avid snowboarder, golfer, bmx biker, soccer player, and technologist working as a land surveyor."

According to a Facebook page about Aaron, "Aaron Charles Derbyshire was a happy, young boy when he became very sick at the age of 8. In and out of Children's Hospital frequently, Aaron was eventually diagnosed with Crohn's Disease (severe inflammation of the intestinal tract). This disease limited his ability to grow up healthy, enjoying all the activities that most children do on a regular basis. Aaron almost died during this time. Aaron was homeschooled most of his life, however, he became well enough to go back to high school in grade 11. At this point, he started recovering quite well and fit in right away with everyone he met. He graduated from Civil Engineering 3 years ago at this time and was heading into a very promising life. However, this was all shattered when he went missing from Kelowna on September 29th, 2006. Words cannot explain our loss, and for anyone who knew Aaron or had the chance to run into him at some point in their lives, it is a complete shock to have him gone. (December 19, 2007)."

Aaron Derbyshire is described as Caucasian, 160 lbs, 5'10", clean shaven, short brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a dark blue shirt (possibly plaid) and dark jeans.

Facts of Interest:

Name/age: Aaron Derbyshire, 22

Date of birth: 05/13/84 (Mother's Day)

Last seen: 09/30/06, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

Major: Civil Engineering grad, 2004

Physical Description: Caucasian, 160 lbs, 5'10", clean shaven, short brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a dark blue shirt (possibly plaid) and dark jeans.

Canada's growing concern

There have been dozens of men in their late teens to mid-30s disappearing in Canada since 2007. The disappearances seem to be heavily concentrated near the Canadian-US border, particularly in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia to the west and in the more centrally located Great Lakes Basin, surrounding Lake Ontario.

There do seem to be some marked differences between the missing men in Canada and those in the United States, particularly the wider age range. But as in the U.S., most young men were attractive, physically fit, and had last been seen eating or drinking with friends before they disappeared.

According to the Water Poverty Index (WPI), Canada is ranked as one of the most water-rich nations in the world. The WPI measures "the impact of water scarcity and water provision on human populations" for a particular country, taking into account the amount of water present. And Canada has a lot of it. Canada, the second largest country in the world behind Russia, may contain the largest surface area of freshwater of any country (Natural Resources Canada, 08/26/03).

Yet, despite so many disappearances in such a water-rich country, very few of the men have been found in water. In fact, nearly all of the Canadian men are still missing. It is partly because of this--what has not been found--that I am growing increasingly concerned.

Kim Rossmo, a former profiler with the Vancouver Police Department, told the Vancouver Courier that statistically speaking, he finds it unusual that the men have not yet been recovered, as "90 percent of missing people are found within three weeks, and 98 percent are found within two months. After that the chance of finding a missing person decreases." According to the Courier, Rossmo is currently leading the Texas State University Center for Geospatial Intelligence and Investigation; he is considered to be a leading expert in geographic profiling and environmental criminology.

For now, Rossmo says he will remain doubtful as to the existence of a serial killer, at least until he sees evidence. He cautions that it could be difficult to determine if there has been an increase in the number of missing men because "the interest could fluctuate by what's being covered in the media." (Vancouver Courier.)

According to The Canadian Press, "The police have shied away from suggesting any of the cases are connected, but an RCMP spokeswoman said investigators would likely be considering the possibility."

Yet, it would seem that the RCMP has had its hands full investigating other serial killers of late. In December 2007, serial killer Robert "Willie" Pickton was convicted of second-degree murder in the deaths of 6 women and sentenced to life in prison without parole for 25 years. Pickton had been charged with the first-degree murder of 26 women, but a decision was made to split the case into two separate trials, so he was only tried for six. There do not appear to be plans to try him for the remaining cases. Pickton, a pig farmer from Port Coquitlam, had been murdering women in the Downtown Eastside area of Vancouver from June 1983, or possibly even as early as 1979, until 2001 when he was arrested. According to CBS News, the Pickton case became the largest serial killer investigation in Canadian history. Around the same time Pickton was operating, women began disappearing along a northern stretch of Highway 16 between Prince George and Prince Rupert. The area, dubbed the "Highway of Tears," is roughly 490 miles north of Vancouver (about 9 hours by car) and spans 446 miles from west to east. At least 18 women--mostly described as aboriginal teenagers who were hitchhiking--have disappeared or been murdered along this route since 1989. According to some reports, the number could be much higher. In October 2007, CBS News reported that police said, "the evidence neither discounts nor supports the theory that a serial killer was responsible for the murders and disappearances of the 18 women."

Ron Braumberger, the father of Bryan Braumberger, one of the first men to disappear in British Columbia, told The Canadian Press in May 2009, “there was an awful lot of young people that went missing around that time. I don’t know if it’s connected or what. Look how long it took them to connect the missing women down in (Vancouver’s Downtown) Eastside. So who knows.”

Now that the Pickton trial is behind us, the cases of the missing young men may begin to garner more media attention and hopefully, a renewed focus and commitment by law enforcement to investigate.

This may be comforting to the families of some of the young men who are wondering if the disappearances could be related.

Due to the mounting concerns about these disappearances in Canada, their close proximity to the border, and how helpful it might be to compare these tragic events in our two countries, I will be making a concentrated effort over the next month to post the faces of Canada's missing.

I hope we can help spread the word about these men.



Sources:
Map: Canada.com
Photos: Province.com via Facebook posting.

01/22/10: Jon Lacina, 21, Ames, IA

Jonathan Lacina, 21, was last seen leaving a gathering at the Stanton Heights apartments at 300 Stanton Ave. in Ames, Iowa at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 22. Lacina's father reported him missing on the morning of Jan. 30. A check of his cell phone and bank records indicates he hasn't used either accounts since his disappearance.

Lacina was a senior graphics design student at Iowa State University in Ames. He was living in Buchanan Residence Hall, just two-and-a-half blocks from where he was last seen.

Law enforcement officials said there was no indication that Lacina would want to leave the area or that he would harm himself. There is also no indication of foul play. His parents added that he was not a risk taker.

A large scale and exhaustive search was launched for Lacina without results. His body was recovered nearly three months later in an old dairy farm building belonging to the college.

02/07/10: R.C. Dean, 22, Fort Madison, IA

RC Dean

On Feb. 7, 2010, Ray Charles Newell Dean, who went by "R.C.," of Keokuk, IA was visiting friends in Fort Madison, IA when he fell through the ice on the Mississippi River.

According to The Hawk Eye, Dean had been walking along the riverbank with another man and fell in about 100 feet from shore near Riverview Park. The man placed the 911 call.

Fort Madison Police Chief Bruce Niggemeyer said, 'He went on the ice with another gentleman, and the other guy came back alone. The other guy heard him go into the water. He couldn't swim either, so he couldn't really help.' The identity of the other man has not been disclosed.

According to the Fort Madison Police Department, they received a report at 2:01 a.m. of the 22-year-old male falling through the ice along the river west of Riverview Park.

According to Connecttristates.com, "investigators found two sets of footprints leading to where Dean is thought to have fallen through the ice, but only one returning track of footprints.

Captain Bruce Gustafson of the Fort Madison Police Department said there is nothing that indicates foul play. He says until a body is found, this can only be treated as a missing person.

Dean's family urged the public to come out and search, saying they were hoping to be able to give him a proper burial. Dean has a 2-year old son.


Search and Recovery

On April 15, 2010, local fishermen recovered the body of RC Dean. According to the Fort Madison Daily Democrat, the body was "about a quarter mile south of the Amtrak depot near 20th Street. Gustafson said he would most likely be found not too far from where he fell into the river. He fell in at about 13th Street. The body had clothes on which matched the description of what the family had said he was wearing on Feb. 7 when he fell into the river after walking out on the ice. He wore a T-shirt and camouflage pants. He also had a billfold with a chain on it, which some searchers last Saturday hoped would get caught on a log to keep Dean from going further down river."

A wallet found in the back pocket of his pants confirmed the identity.

Fort Madison Police Chief Bruce Niggemeyer said he had searched the area where Dean was found just a few days ago and saw nothing. Gustafson said during the search last Saturday that he had been driving up and down the BNSF fire road almost every day since Dean was reported missing in hopes of finding him."




Sources

Benedict, Joe. (2010, April 16). Keokuk man's body found near FM riverfront. Fort Madison Daily Democrat. Retrieved April 14, 2010 from http://www.dailydem.com/articles/2010/04/16/news/news1.txt

Mangalonzo, John. (2010, March 24). Drowning victim's family seeks help. The Hawk Eye. Retrieved April 14, 2010 from http://www.thehawkeye.com/story/Search-032410


Wells, Jarod. (2010, March 26). Final efforts from family of missing man. Connect TriStates.com Retrieved April 14, 2010 from http://www.connecttristates.com/news/story.aspx?id=435552#.UJcCqI5Z_FI


Originally Published: 04/14/10. Updated 04/18/10, 11/4/12.

Where is Nathan Edberg?

Eleven years ago today, Nathan Edberg disappeared after leaving Decoy’s bar at 2143 4th Street in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. According to published reports, no one actually saw him leave the bar, but he is thought to have left around 7:30 p.m. Edberg's empty truck was later located in a ditch at the junction of Hwy 694 and Hwy 35E. Authorities believe Edberg probably went off the road after missing his exit, but the trail stops there.

Edberg's truck, found just a couple of miles from his mother's home, yielded no clues. There were no signs of a struggle nearby or any trace of Nathan Edberg. His keys were located inside the locked truck.

Tom Paget of the Ramsey County sheriff's office who managed the case from 2000 to 2007 said, "There's no indication of foul play, anything. He just disappeared. I talked to everybody I could. Everybody was at a loss as to what happened."

In Remembrance of Dan Zamlen

All I keep thinking is that all of the boys on your website are someone's little boys, someone's brothers. They are all aspiring young men who were taken too soon, leaving all of us to wonder why. We can only imagine the difference they would have made in the world. The families of these boys have had there hearts ripped apart. A pain that can't be healed - only managed." - Sally Zamlen, 4/7/10

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the disappearance and loss of Dan Zamlen, shortly before his 19th birthday. I hope you all join me in remembering this remarkable young man by watching this powerful memorial video and reading more about Dan's life on Finddan.org. Please also take a moment of silence or prayer for the Zamlen family and leave a comment about how Dan's story has touched your life.

A memorial service for Dan will be held Thursday, April 8, 7 PM in the Saint John Vianney (SJV) Chapel at 2115 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55105.


Daniel Zamlen from Andrea Zamlen on Vimeo.

02/21/10: Gregory Wry, 30, Fredricton, NB, Canada

Gregory David Wry, 30, left his residence Feb. 21, 2010 at 1 p.m. and hasn't been seen by his family since.

"He went for a drive and didn't come home," said Cpl. John Foster of the Woodstock Police Force. "It was a complete surprise to his family."

Police have determined that Wry stayed overnight at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel in Fredericton on the day he went missing but that was the last time his whereabouts have been confirmed.

Foster said there's no reason to suspect something bad has happened to Wry, but the fact he hasn't been seen in the meantime is baffling.

"It's been 10 days now; that's a long time," Foster said. "Our policy, as it is with most of the police forces in New Brunswick, is that on a missing person, we don't release it to the press until the family authorizes it and they just authorized it today."

Foster said Wry's status as a missing person has been made known to other police forces and border officials.

"All police across the country would know he's missing," Foster said. "Any border crossing in Canada or the United States would know that he's missing."

Wry is described as 5'8" tall, 140 pounds with brown, brush cut hair. He has green eyes and scruffy whiskers and was last seen wearing a ball cap, a jacket with leather sleeves and brown cloth patches, jeans and sneakers. The Woodstock man was driving a 2005 four-door Chevrolet Malibu, sandy brown in colour with New Brunswick licence plate GMS-732.

If anyone has information on Wry or his whereabouts, they are urged to contact the Woodstock Police Force at 325-4601 or N.B. Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

His family has set up a Facebook page.



Published: 4/1/10.