Police expected to expand Highway of Tears investigation

PRINCE GEORGE Police are expected to announce today that an RCMP task force will expand its probe into the murders and disappearances of women on a stretch of road known as the Highway of Tears.

Police have been investigating eight cases of women who have gone missing or been killed on Highway 16 between Prince George and Prince Rupert from 1989- 2005.

They are now expected to announce the number of cases being investigated will rise.

Sgt. Phil Lemaitre said an update of the ongoing review will be provided in Prince George today. He said no charges or arrests have been made in the cases. Prince George Mayor Colin Kinsley said he hopes this means even more resources will be put toward solving the murders and disappearances along the Highway of Tears.

He told Global BC: “ It’s our hope, not that there hasn’ t already been great resources, that with these added numbers it’ll bring greater attention and resources to the case.”

Gladys Radek, whose niece Tamara Chipman, 22, went missing on the Highway of Tears, said she’s excited that the families are finally getting a response to their quest.

Besides Chipman, the RCMP has been investigating the murders or disappearances of these women: Delphine Nikal, 15; Ramona Wilson, 15; Roxanne Thiara, 15; Leah Alisha Germaine, 15; Lana Derrick, 19; Nicole Hoar, 25; and Aielah Katherina Saric, 14.