IHIT appeals for information into Kellen McElwee's 2008 disappearance
It's been 15 years since Kellen McElwee was last seen, and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is making another public appeal for information into the Burnaby man's disappearance.
The 25-year-old was out with three friends at the Keg Steakhouse & Bar in Langley on the evening of March 19, 2008, and was last seen walking to his vehicle, which was parked in the Colossus movie theatre parking lot nearby.
The case was taken over by IHIT a month after his disappearance, and police said they believed McElwee had met with foul play and were treating the case as a homicide.
Police said his grey 2006 Honda Civic was found a few days later parked on Halifax Street, not far from his apartment in Burnaby and had been driven by someone who used his keys.
"We're asking anyone with new information or who has yet to speak with police to contact us," said Sgt Timothy Pierotti in a written statement on Monday, "Fifteen years have passed, and IHIT remains dedicated to Kellen's family."
Today, McElwee, described as a Caucasian male, 5'10", approximately 220 pounds with dirty blond hair, blue eyes and a white dragon tattoo below his left shoulder, would be 40 years old.
Person of interest
IHIT said during the early stages of its investigation, officers found a person of interest on a CCTV camera leaving McElwee's apartment building the evening he went missing. The person in the photos was wearing a winter jacket with a fur-rimmed hood and carrying a DC-brand backpack.
"We are hopeful that someone might recognize this person from the distinct Christian Audigier style, puffy jacket with fur around the hood," Pierotti said. "We believe this person may have information that could help advance this investigation."
In 2013, on the fifth anniversary of McElwee's disappearance, police, in a statement, said they had not made any conclusive links to gangs, drugs or organized crime as factors in his disappearance. McElwee's parents have also tried to help the case by offering $50,000 and $100,000 rewards.
Anyone who has information about McElwee's disappearance is being asked to contact IHIT by calling 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by emailing ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
