Surrey/Chilliwack – IHIT honours a somber annivesary .
It has been twenty years since Michelle Caroline Choiniere went missing from Surrey. Two years after her disappearance, her remains were discovered on Vedder Mountain in Chilliwack. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) remains open to new information to further its ongoing investigation.
Background:
On September 27, 2005, 25-year-old Michelle Caroline Choiniere told her mother she was headed out and would check in later that day; sadly, she was never heard from again.
Since it was out of character to not hear from her for an extended period, on October 17, 2005, Ms. Choiniere’s family filed a missing persons report with the police. At the time, the investigation indicated that Ms. Choiniere was last seen in the Guildford area of Surrey; however, the exact date was unknown.
In December of 2007, Ms. Choiniere’s remains were discovered on Vedder Mountain in Chilliwack and criminality was suspected. IHIT assumed conduct of the investigation and explored a number of investigative avenues to learn the circumstances surrounding Ms. Choiniere’s death.
Update:
IHIT continues to investigate Ms. Choiniere’s murder and needs anyone with information to come forward.
“Twenty years have passed, but she has not been forgotten. Ms. Choiniere’s case remains open, and we believe there are individuals with knowledge of Ms. Choiniere’s death who have yet to come forward,” says Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT. “It is not too late to do the right thing. You could hold the piece of information that could bring closure to her family.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448), or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
File # 2005-132342
A heartfelt appeal for justice.
It has been twenty long years since my beloved niece, Michelle Caroline Choiniere, was taken from us. Michelle was just 25 years old and pregnant when her life was stolen. We have lived with heartbreak, questions, and silence ever since.
To the person responsible: you hold the truth. You know why her life ended that way. While nothing can ever undo the pain, you still have the power to give Michelle the dignity she deserves and provide the answers we have sought for so long.
I am not seeking vengeance- just answers, truth and peace.
Please come forward to the IHIT investigators. If you cannot do so openly, share what you know anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Even the smallest step forward could ease the burden you carry and finally allow our family to begin healing.
Michelle’s life mattered. Her memory will never fade. Please, help us find justice.
– Statement from the family of Michelle Caroline Choiniere
