Barbecue raises profile for Tamra Keepness investigation
Community members and Regina police are hoping an annual barbecue for missing Regina girl Tamra Keepness will bring forward new information about her disappearance.
Each year, Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services (RTSIS) hosts a barbecue to keep Keepness' story in the public eye. The 11th annual event was held at the Core Community Park in Regina Friday afternoon.
Keepness was five years old when she vanished on the night of July 5th, 2004. She was last seen in her home in the 1800 block of Ottawa Street.
"How many more years are we going to be doing this? It's really heartbreaking," said Lucinda Toto, a paternal family member.
Police said they have received hundreds, if not thousands, of tips over the years, but there's still no sign of Keepness.
The family believes someone is withholding information about what happened that night in 2004.
"[I was] just driving by myself this morning thinking 'Oh my God. How can some people live with this for 11 years. How do they sleep? Do they have a conscience?'" said Toto.
"If you know anything, come, tell somebody."
Police also believe there are people in the community with information that could lead to a resolution of the case.
"There are people, and it is a strong belief on our part, people in this community that know exactly what went on and they just haven't come forward at this time," Deputy Chief Dean Rae told reporters at the barbecue Friday.
Police continue to offer a $50,000 reward for information that leads to finding Keepness. The city's cold case investigator also looks into any and all tips that come in to police.
"We're just hoping at some point, some type of motivation will bring those people forward to tell us what went on," said Rae.
Tip yields no resolution
Earlier this year, a hand-drawn map surfaced on the website Reddit, claiming Keepness' body was located at a well on the Muscowpetung First Nation.
After an extensive search, police concluded the map was not authentic.
Toto said the whole experience was very upsetting for the family.
"Every time we opened a well we never knew what we were going to find, so it was really disgusting. And I really hope police do track this person down and deal with him, or her, whoever did that," said Toto.
Anyone with information about Keepness' disappearance is asked to contact Regina police or Crime Stoppers.
