Community Forums

idenphones · 07-16-2010, 03:42 PM

I have not seen this posted on the forum anywhere.

The Alberta RCMP have named a person of interest in the case of an elderly Alberta couple who vanished during a road trip through the Rockies nearly two weeks ago.

Police said Friday afternoon that James Edward Vader, 38, is a person of interest that they "want to talk to."

Vader should be considered dangerous, and is a potential risk to anyone who comes into contact with him, police said.

Assistant Commissioner Peter Hourihan told reporters that Vader became a person of interest "in the last 24 hours or so."

Lyle and Marie McCann, aged 78 and 77, were last seen on July 3 filling up their RV at a gas station just north of Edmonton.

On July 5, their motor home was found abandoned and burned several hours west of Edmonton.

Hourihan added that "we suspect foul play … we assume the worst and hope for the best."

Police have faced heavy criticism for delaying an investigation, despite finding the charred RV.

A police probe officially began after the McCanns were reported missing by family members on July 8 -- a delay of five days. The couple were supposed to meet up with family members in British Columbia.

"I think that a couple of mistakes have been made," Hourihan conceded.

However, he added that police are now "doing everything" they can.

idenphones · 07-16-2010, 06:16 PM

Latest news.

Not looking too good at this point.

TOP STORY

RCMP call Travis Edward Vader, 38, a person of interest in the case of a missing couple from Alberta.
(RCMP)

Missing Alberta couple's SUV found
16/07/2010 7:24:31 PM
CBC News
The RCMP said Friday they have found an SUV belonging to an Alberta couple who were last seen on July 3.
Investigators are conducting a forensic examination of the Hyundai Tucson vehicle. Police have not said where it was found as the location is considered a crime scene.
"We consider this foul play," RCMP Assistant Commissioner Peter Hourihan said earlier Friday afternoon about the disappearance of Lyle McCann, 78, and his wife, Marie McCann, 77.
The McCanns left St. Albert, Alta., on July 3 headed for British Columbia and have not been seen since that day.
The discovery of the SUV comes two hours after police announced they were looking for a specific "person of interest," considered dangerous, in the case.
Police said they want to know the whereabouts of Travis Edward Vader, 38, of no fixed address. Police are not calling him a suspect and they say they just want to talk to him.
Vader has multiple outstanding warrants on unrelated matters and is known to be in possession of firearms, Hourihan said.
Hourihan said Vader should be considered dangerous and people should not approach him. He said they should simply contact police if they have information about Vader, who also has a history of drug abuse.
The McCanns were using a 1999 green-and-white Gulf Stream Sun Voyager recreational vehicle and towing the SUV. They intended to be in Abbotsford, B.C., to meet their daughter at the airport on July 10 but never arrived.
The RV was found on fire at the Minnow Lake campground near Edson, Alta., on July 5 but the SUV, bearing Alberta licence plate ZPK 289, was missing.
Hourihan also addressed criticism about the RCMP investigation. Police didn't launch an investigation into the McCanns' disappearance until five days after their burned RV was found.
It was also revealed Thursday that the RCMP didn't take contact information from a father and daughter from Prince George who reported seeing a Hyundai Tucson SUV in the B.C. city on July 8.
"A couple of mistakes have been made. I acknowledge that." Hourihan said. He admitted police were "a bit slow in getting going" after the motorhome was found because information wasn't passed on.
An internal review is underway and one RCMP officer in Edson has been placed on administrative duties because of the information foul-up, Hourihan said. Police have received more than 100 tips in the investigation

SwampTrash · 07-19-2010, 11:37 PM

Anybody have any more updates on this couple?

Stillwater · 07-20-2010, 12:09 AM

Police have arrested Vader but are only calling him a person of interest at this point.

MonacoMama · 07-20-2010, 01:03 AM

You will find a bit more information at this link. It may sound cold-hearted - but may I suggest ignoring any type of panhandler that may be out there?
It looks as if this couple has lost their lives

for being the people that they are...trusting and loving people.

idenphones · 07-20-2010, 04:51 AM

The latest, as of last night and this mornings news is that the police have arrested 2 people, one of them being Vader.

The police have not disclosed who or why this other person was arrested but apparently he was with Vader when he was busted.

idenphones · 07-20-2010, 02:07 PM

It seems that Mr. Vader's lawyer has received permission from the court to drop Vader as a client.

The second person that was arrested was released without charges.

Possum · 07-21-2010, 03:05 PM

I wonder why the police officer (??) who investigated the initial burning motorhome didn't think to initiate a search for the owners at that time. The investigation was not started by our incompetent nation force for four or five days after the initial vehicle fire. The search was not started until family contacted the RCMP asking if they knew anything. Weird and wonderful the way the cops up here work.

Ray,IN · 07-21-2010, 08:31 PM

If Global-Calgary TV news reported accurately, this case has been bungled from the beginning. There is also another man missing. A man was shot. A woman who strangled her daughter was sentenced to probation_no jail time.
Sounds like Calgary, a huge,sprawling city of over 1 million people has the same issues as any large U.S. city. We were there for the Calgary Stampede and really enjoyed everything.