The VPD are hoping the public can assist with homicide investigations that have gone “cold.” A new website launched today will provide information and details on some of Vancouver’s unsolved murders. Visit www.vpdcoldcases.ca and help catch a killer.

DEPUTY CHIEF ADAM PALMER
REMARKS

I’m pleased to be joined here today by Sergeant Dale Weidman from our MCS – Homicide Unit.

In addition to preventing crime, the VPD is always looking for innovative ways to solve crime. Sometimes, it takes a new way of looking at a problem in order to solve it.

There are a number of police files that have grown “cold” over the years due to a lack of evidence or suspect information. In response, our MCS – Homicide Unit is launching a cold case website.

Although cold case websites have been used by several other police agencies in Canada, this is the first such website for the VPD.

We all know that the method and speed by which people communicate has evolved, and that the Internet plays a huge role in our lives. Our goal is to reach as large an audience as possible to give people an opportunity to provide valuable input on homicide cases, some of which have been inactive or “cold” for a number of years.

The website is multi-layered but easy to navigate. It contains:

  • summary overview of the case
  • media stories from the time
  • locations of interest
  • photographs of interest

We know through experience that the passage of time can change people’s outlook; perhaps, when they were young they didn’t wish to talk to the police for a variety of reasons, such as peer pressure, different lifestyle choices, or fear of reprisal, but situations often change over time. After reviewing the website, we’re hoping that people may recognize a cold case, then contact us to tell us what they know, whether it’s from first-hand experience or something they’ve heard through the grapevine over the years. I can tell you that often a small lead is all that is required, something that may seem insignificant; however, that tip may open a lot of doors.

Initially, the website will profile eight cases. The timeframe ranges from murders that occurred in 1981 through to 2008. These cases were chosen for a number of reasons, including the families being supportive. They would very much like to see the person(s) responsible brought to justice to account for their actions.

In many of these cases, people were either going about their regular business, or in the case of Evan Garber (robbery – 2006) or Richard Chacon (bar fight – 1999), they were trying to help others in times of distress when they were shot to death. Some of you may remember the more recent case of 76-year-old Willene Chong, who in 2008 died tragically in her East Vancouver home, in a house fire that was intentionally set.

Other cases are older and, outside of family, friends and the police, have been largely forgotten. We want to remind people of cases like that of 61-year-old Cathy Berard, who was brutally assaulted and left for dead on the grounds of David Thompson high school in 1996. Other cases are a true mystery, such as the case of Danielle Larue, when in 2002, the VPD received an anonymous letter from her killer. To this date, Danielle’s body has never been found.

We never forget these cases and we will do everything we can to provide closure to the loved ones left behind.

Tips can be provided in a number of ways:

  • website
  • e-mail
  • telephone
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Crime Stoppers

Please take the time to check out the VPD Cold Case website then watch for updates and new cases to be added.