Murder Investigators Look At PG Taxi Drivers

By 250 News

Prince George, B.C. -  The manager of Prince George Taxi says more than 140 local cab drivers have been questioned by RCMP in connection with the ongoing murder investigations of two women.

Sami Kuuluvainen says he believes all but two have provided provided DNA samples - and he says those two may have, in fact, done so - and it's his understanding they've all been cleared.

Kuuluvainen says he was contacted a few months ago by officers investigating the deaths of 35-year-old Cynthia Maas, who's body was found near LC Gunn Park this past fall, and 29-year-old Jill Stuchenko, her body was discovered in a gravel pit in October of 2009.

He says he handed over an employee list and, at first thought officers intended to contact just a few of PG Taxi's drivers, but they went through the entire list.  "To be honest, my gut feeling was that it was a total shot in the dark, I don't think they had anything to go on," says Kuuluvainen.  "I think they were looking for any information at all that would help them with their investigation."

The taxi cab company manager says he has no problem with helping the RCMP out.  He says he believes that, in fact, one of his female drivers transported one of the victims several days after she was last reported seen and that information was communicated to police.

Kuuluvainen says by the very nature of their job, taxi drivers are out and about and often observe situations, as a result.  He says his drivers are required to provide an annual criminal records check and he thinks that's a good thing, to ensure the public feels safe.

A call to the Prince George RCMP detachment for comment has been deferred to the RCMP's "E" Division Headquarters in Vancouver.

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