Yating (Lancy) HU: Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has taken over the missing-woman case.
Photograph by: Submitted , RCMP
The missing-person case of Burnaby resident Yating (Lancy) Hu has taken another turn.
The RCMP's Integrated Homicide Investigation Team now believes Hu, missing since July 15, was last seen in Coquitlam on July 16.
According to IHIT spokeswoman Sgt. Jennifer Pound, the last known sighting of Hu was around 5:30 a.m. in the 2800-block Nash Drive in Coquitlam, a residence she shared with her husband.
According to Pound, Hu left on foot in an unknown direction and has not been seen or heard from since. Police believe she may have had a black backpack and an Apple MacBook with her.
The new information was released Thursday morning and is the third time police have released information on Hu's disappearance.
On July 22, her disappearance was reported in a Burnaby RCMP press release. In that release, police reported Hu had been missing since July 15 after being dropped off by her husband between 8 and 9 p.m. at her second residence, an apartment near the Metropolis at Metrotown shopping centre.
Her husband became worried when she missed several appointments the next week and he couldn't contact her to return their two small children after the weekend.
On Aug. 3, Hu's case was transferred to IHIT, with police noting in a press release that "there is reason to suspect that foul play is involved in the disappearance of Hu."
Pound said Thursday police have not made any arrests in the Hu case, and are asking for the public's assistance in locating the woman who hasn't been seen in more than a month.
"Hu has two small children who are anxiously awaiting their mother's return home," said Pound. "Police are asking the public who may know of her whereabouts, or who have any information regarding her disappearance, to come forward and speak to investigators."
Pound said that while IHIT investigators are working the case, they are still holding out hope Hu will be found safe and sound.
Hu is described as a 27-year-old Asian woman, five-foot-seven, 119 pounds, with shoulder-length black hair and brown eyes and wearing glasses. She speaks both English and Mandarin.
Hu does not have a vehicle and uses public transportation.
Anyone with information, including anyone who may have found her backpack or the MacBook, is asked to call the IHIT tip line at 1-877-551-4448 or, if you wish to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
