Search called off for missing Mundare woman
Search efforts have been called for a missing woman in Mundare, Alta. after an exhaustive two-day effort.
Deanna MacNeil, 44, was last seen Nov. 28 at a liquor store near her home
This weekend, a special RCMP team was organized to continue the search, spending two full days systematically traversing vacant lots and unplowed areas near MacNeil’s home and using poles to probe through the snow.
"This is basically where she stayed all the time. She didn't really travel out too much,” said Const. Grant Kneller Sunday afternoon. “Her circle of friends and her circle of existence basically was in Mundare. That's why we're searching here."
"We're looking under trees, in sheds, behind fences. Anywhere a small person like Deanna could hide."
Search efforts were called off Sunday evening. RCMP will now have to decide whether or not to expand their search.
Bill Pierce is MacNeil’s landlord and roommate. He said there has been no sign of MacNeil since she walked out of the house they shared at the end of November.
"She just disappeared, and I don't know. She never said a word or anything,” he said.
"She didn't take anything with her. Her purse was here. I think the RCMP took that."
MacNeil also left behind a kitten she had recently rescued from the cold.
"She felt sorry for it,” said Pierce. “That's the kind of person she was."
RCMP say they have made two pleas to the public for help locating MacNeil, but have not received any tips about her whereabouts. They are now asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
MacNeil was last seen wearing an orange winter jacket, black t-shirt and jeans.
Mundare is about 85 kilometres east of Edmonton.
