The parents of Kellen McElwee marked the five-year anniversary of their son's disappearance with a press conference March 19 to plead with the public to come forward with any information that could lead police to his body.
"In five years, people can change their lifestyle," said Sgt. Jennifer Pound of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT). "Somebody out there has information and we want them to come forward."
McElwee was last seen March 19, 2008, leaving the parking lot of the Keg Steakhouse and Bar in Langley. The 25year-old's car was later found in the 5100block of Halifax Street in Burnaby, where he was living at the time.
Shortly after McElwee's disappearance, IHIT took over the case and reported it as a homicide. IHIT has since been unable to locate his body.
Pound said that in order for the case to move ahead, people must come forward, no matter how insignificant they think their information may be.
"People that have been sitting on (information) for five years or know a little bit of information that they maybe feel isn't important or doable for our investigation, we want them to come forward," she said.
IHIT is still looking to identify a man seen, in video footage, leaving McElwee's condo building. The photo of this individual was released by police on April 2, 2008. The man was wearing a winter jacket with fur trim around the hood and carrying a DC brand backpack.
"It's not a cold case. We're still investigating those tips that do come in and moving forward. Our priority is to see the family have a little bit of closure in this and find Kellen's remains and determine who is responsible for his homicide," Pound said.
She hopes the press conference helped shed a light on the investigation and bring it back into people's minds.
As for McElwee's parents, Pound said they're hoping the press conference will bring out information not reported during the initial investigation.
"They're struggling with the idea and the fact that their son is the victim of homicide but (Mrs. McElwee) still wants to have a little bit of closure and bring him home," Pound said.
According to a March 19 press release, police have not been able "to make any conclusive links to gangs, drugs or organized crime as being responsible for the disappearance of Kellen."
Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the IHIT tip line at 778-2905290 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
