Still missing: Melanie Ethier
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) remind the public that ‘a case is never closed until it is solved.’
Melanie Ethier, 15, disappeared while walking home in New Liskeard, Ont., on September 29, 1996. (Ontario Provincial Police)
On Sept. 29, 1996, 28 years ago, Melanie Ethier disappeared while walking home in New Liskeard, Ont., provincial police said in a social media post on Sunday.
“The investigation has remained active but investigators are seeking further assistance from the public,” said police.
15-year-old girl never came home
At about 2 a.m., Ethier then age 15, left a residence to walk a short distance to her nearby home. However, she never arrived and was reported missing to the Temiskaming Shores Police Service later that day.
Either would be 43 this year.
She was last seen in 1996 wearing a green Nike jacket, blue jeans, a white T-shirt with the Pepe logo, a blue hear, and black boots. Ethier was described as a 5'5" (165 cm), 120 lbs (54 kg) black female with brown eyes and long braided black hair.
Melanie Ethier, 15, disappeared while walking home in New Liskeard, Ont., on September 29, 1996. (Ontario Provincial Police/YouTube)
“Foul play is strongly suspected in this disappearance,” said the OPP on her missing poster.
A $50,000 reward
The province is still offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Ethier’s disappearance.
“This reward will be apportioned as deemed just by the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services for the Province of Ontario and the Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police,” reads the OPP missing persons website.
Melanie Ethier, 15, disappeared while walking home in New Liskeard, Ont., on September 29, 1996. (Ontario Provincial Police/YouTube)
“If you know anything that may be able to help investigators, please call the Temiskaming OPP,” said police in their post.
“Even the smallest detail could have a significant impact.”
Any person with information regarding the disappearance is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or 705-329-6111, their nearest police authority or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
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