ST. ALBERT — Family members of two Alberta seniors missing for more than a month are raising funds for a reward they hope will lead to information that will crack the case.
The family of Lyle and Marie McCann hope that the fund will keep the case top-of-mind for the public, son Bret McCann told a news conference Monday.
An anonymous donor has already given them a kick start with a $10,000 contribution, which will add to the roughly $1,000 the family has already raised, he said.
“We’re very optimistic that my parents are out there somewhere and that someone, somewhere has information that will help us find them.”
To claim some reward money, a tipster must provide information on the McCanns’ whereabouts and details that lead to the conviction of whomever may have been involved in their disappearance. To claim a larger reward, the tipster has to give his or her name to investigators.
The McCanns, both in their 70s, were last seen July 3 fuelling up their motor home at a gas station in their hometown of St. Albert, just north of Edmonton. They were on their way to visit family in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley, but never arrived.
Their burning RV was found July 5 near Edson, Alta., about 200 kilometres west of Edmonton.
On July 16, the green Hyundai Tucson SUV the couple had been hauling was found abandoned in thick bush about 30 kilometres east of Edson.
That same day, police announced a manhunt for Travis Vader, 38, who they said was a “person of interest” in the investigation.
RCMP eventually arrested him on unrelated outstanding warrants after tactical officers surrounded an isolated home east of Edson. He has not been charged in the couple’s disappearance, but has been in custody ever since.
When asked whether Vader may be eligible for the reward money, Bret McCann initially said no. But he backtracked somewhat when pressed about it after the news conference.
“I think we’ve got to weigh these tips ... I don’t want to exclude any information that might come forward.”
Trudy Holder, who lives in Calgary, suggested family members may have differing views on whether Vader could qualify for the reward.
“I don’t know as a family that we’ve fully talked that out ... it’s something we need to have a family discussion about.”
Holder said she still holds out hope that her parent are alive, even after weeks without any sign of them
“I have to. It’s my mom and dad,” she said, her eyes moist.
She said the RCMP have repeatedly reassured them that investigators are making progress. With the outpouring of public support on a Facebook site dedicated to the search for her parents, she said a reward campaign is simply the next logical step.
“We have the city behind us, we have prominent people in the community standing up with us and the infrastructure in place to be able to do it.”
RCMP Sgt. Tim Taniguchi said at least 20 officers are working on the file and a reward may help.
“In all types of investigations we have roadblocks, through witnesses, through suspects ... This initiative may assist with those roadblocks.”
He said the family consulted with RCMP investigators before going ahead.
Taniguchi declined to provide any details of the police investigation, saying he doesn’t want to “taint” the process.
St. Albert Mayor Nolan Crouse supports the effort and said anyone who wants to donate anonymously can also contact his office to arrange it.
“The McCann family is part of our community and neighbours help neighbours.”