Death Of Young Woman Near Burns Lake A Homicide

Tuesday, February 01, 2011 12:34 PM

Prince George, B.C. - RCMP say an autopsy has confirmed foul play in the death of a 17-year-old girl found in a home in a rural area south of the community of Burns Lake.

"E" Division Senior Media Relations Officer, Sergeant Rob Vermeulen, says, "We're not releasing what that cause of death is at this point, but I can tell you that it's now a homicide investigation." The autopsy was conducted yesterday, but Vermeulen says there are a few more steps being taken to confirm the victim's identity; therefore, the young woman's name is still being withheld.

Officers from the Burns Lake detachment were called to a home on Uncha Mountain Road, part of the Cheslatta Carrier Nation, on the southside of Francois Lake, last Wednesday afternoon. The victim was deceased when police arrived.

Examination of the scene continued through to late yesterday, when the residence was 'released'. Sergeant Vermeulen says, "It's been gone over by our Serious Crime investigators, by our forensic specialists from North District and it's just an ongoing investigation."

"We believe, at this point, that it was an isolated incident and not a random act." says the sergeant. But, as for a person of interest, "I'm not going to get into specifics of the investigation -- it's just too early to do that -- other than to say we are making progress."

The victim's mother has spoken with a media outlet and is releasing some details as to the state she found her daughter in. Sergeant Vermeulen won't comment on the information, saying, "We're not giving that information out, we just can't at this point in the investigation.

He says the RCMP has been working with the victim's family and the Cheslatta Carrier Nation to provide whatever support they need. And the RCMP is hoping to allay concerns in the community with word that they believe they're dealing with an isolated case.

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