(BCTV) - Four more names have now been added to the list of missing sex trade
workers in Vancouver. That brings the official count to 31. Tomorrow, the new
faces will be added to the missing posters distributed around the city. Police
still don't believe that the disappearances will prove to be the work of a
serial killer. But they are sharing information with the city of Spokane,
where a serial killer investigation is underway:
Jas Johal reporting: "They live a dangerous and transient lifestyle on
the margins of society. Most of these women are drug addicts feeding thier
habit through prostitution. Three months ago, Vancouver police said there 21
sex trade workers missing from the Downtown Eastside since 1995. Tommorrow,
they will announce an updated list of 31 names."
Maggie Devries: "It is shocking. It makes it more shocking that there
are 31."
Jas Johal reporting: "Sarah Jean Devries, went missing in April of
1998. The sex trade worker last saw her sister one month earlier. Some in the
Downtown Eastside argue that a serial killer is responsible. Maggie Devries
believes her sister was the victim of foul play."
Maggie Devries: "I certainly believe that foul play is involved.
Certainly in my sister's case and certainly in many of the cases."
Const. Anne Drennan, Vancouver police: "What this serial killer thing
is, is a gut feeling that a lot of the family members have based on an
emotional situation. We understand that completely, that somebody must be out
there killing these women. That is a possibility. We accept that. But at the
same time, as police officers, we have to say that nothing has come to light
yet that clearly states that there is somebody killing these women."
Jas Johal reporting: "Vancouver police, however, are talking to law
enforcement officials in Washington state. Since 1984, 20 prostitutes have
been found murdered in Spokane...all by gunshot. So far, no one has been
arrested. Spokane detectives say seven of the murders can be linked to a
single perpetrator."
Const. Anne Drennan, Vancouver police: "We felt that although we don't
have any bodies or crime scenes, as they do in the U.S., still they might be
able to give us an idea, on how to proceed with the investigation from their
perspective. It is because of that, that we brought them up here and had a big
meeting with them. And we learned a lot in terms of investigative
techniques."
Jas Johal reporting: "Tomorrow, 10 more pictures will be added to this
line-up, and the official announcement of a 100-thousand dollar reward. Many
are hoping, it will be enough to initiate new leads."
Van Police Missing Persons Posters
Poster thumbnail photos
More
women missing
VANCOUVER (CKNW/98)
-- Vancouver Police have added more names to the list of women who have
disappeared from Vancouver's downtown eastside. Investigators are now trying
to track down what happened to 31 women reported missing. Vancouver Police
Constable Anne Drennan says the addition of four names comes after the case
has gained a high profile. Tomorrow, the police department and the Attorney
General's Ministry will released posters of the missing women in the hopes
someone comes forward with information on their whereabouts.