Twenty years after 25-year-old Michelle Caroline Choiniere went missing, her family continues to seek answers and justice as authorities renew their appeal for information in the unresolved homicide case.
On Sept. 27, 2005, Choiniere told her mom she was going out and would check in later that day.
“Sadly, she was never heard from again,” police said.
Her family reported her missing on Oct. 17, as it was “not out of character” to not hear from her for an extended period of time. Choiniere was pregnant at the time of her disappearance.
Two years later, in December 2007, her remains were found on Vedder Mountain in Chilliwack, and police suspected criminality was involved in her death.
Choiniere’s family issued a statement Wednesday, saying in part, “To the person responsible: you hold the truth. You know why her life ended that way. While nothing can ever undo the pain, you still have the power to give Michelle the dignity she deserves and provide the answers we have sought for so long. I am not seeking vengeance – just answers, truth and peace.”
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) took over the case and issued an appeal Wednesday (Nov. 26) asking for “new information to further its ongoing investigation.”
Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT said: “Twenty years have passed, but she has not been forgotten. Ms. Choiniere’s case remains open, and we believe there are individuals with knowledge of Ms. Choiniere’s death who have yet to come forward. It is not too late to do the right thing. You could hold the piece of information that could bring closure to her family.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448), or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
THE FULL STATEMENT FROM THE CHOINIERE FAMILY
“It has been twenty long years since my beloved niece, Michelle Caroline Choiniere, was taken from us. Michelle was just 25 years old and pregnant when her life was stolen. We have lived with heartbreak, questions, and silence ever since.
To the person responsible: you hold the truth. You know why her life ended that way. While nothing can ever undo the pain, you still have the power to give Michelle the dignity she deserves and provide the answers we have sought for so long.
I am not seeking vengeance – just answers, truth and peace.
Please come forward to the IHIT investigators. If you cannot do so openly, share what you know anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Even the smallest step forward could ease the burden you carry and finally allow our family to begin healing.
Michelle’s life mattered. Her memory will never fade. Please, help us find justice.”