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FIRE FIGHTERS AWARDS P. 2 EDITORIAL P. 6
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INS AND OUTS OF IIO P. 4 BEAR REHAB P. 7
E xpress OMINECA
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$1.30 Inc. GST Vol. 36 No. 08
Serving Vanderhoof ● Fort Fraser ● Fraser Lake & Area www.ominecaexpress.com
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
A Mother’s plea Walter Strong Black Press Wednesday April 17, the RCMP announced that the death of Destiny Rae Tom, 21, was the result of foul play. On March 23, 2013, police responded to a call at around 5:30 a.m. and discovered Destiny’s body outside of a home on the Nautley Indian Reserve on the east end of Fraser Lake. Many of Destiny’s extended family - members of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation near Burns Lake - gathered at Village of Fort Fraser council chambers in support of Vivian Tom, Destiny’s mother. She delivered a public plea for help with the investigation. She implored anyone with information about her daughter’s death to come forward and cooperate with the RCMP. “Our daughter’s badly beaten body was discovered on the Nautley Indian Reserve just outside of Fort Fraser,” said Tom. “Whoever is responsible for Destiny’s death is still out there.” “We believe that someone out there knows something and is yet to come forward with information surrounding Destiny’s death.” The RCMP expressed the same concern. Despite an arrest made shortly after the discovery of Destiny’s body, no charges have been laid either against that individual or anyone else. “We’re still missing the piece of the puzzle that we need to bring closure to this family and this community,” said RCMP Cst. Lesley Smith. On the evening of Destiny’s death, there was a gathering or party at the residence where Destiny’s body was found. Although some present at the gathering have come forward to pro-
vide information, not all have. “It is those people that she was last with that we want to speak to,” said Smith. An autopsy was conducted earlier this month and the report confirmed that Destiny Tom died as result of foul play. Police are unable to provide further specifics with respect to the findings as this would jeopardize the integrity of the investigation. Investigators continue to follow up on information and speak with individuals. “This investigation remains a priority for the RCMP and we encourage those who knew Destiny and were last with her on the Nautley Reserve, to come forward and speak with investigators” stated Cst. Lesley Smith, North District Media Relations Officer “RCMP investigators are working closely with Destiny’s family and friends and they continue to work diligently in order to find the answers we all need to bring the individual(s) responsible for her death, to justice”. Anyone with information is asked to call the Fraser Lake RCMP at (250) 699-7777. If you would like to remain anonymous please Call CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-800-2228477 (TIPS).
Vivian Tom makes a public plea in Fort Fraser, B.C. on April 17, 2013, for information that will help with the investigation into the death of her daughter, Destiny Tom. Destiny was found dead outside of a residence on the Nautley Indian Reserve near Fraser Lake on March 23, 2013. Her death has now been officially attributed to foul play. Photo by Walter Strong
Vacation Planner for the Stuart/Nechako
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“Whoever is responsible for Destiny’s death is still out there.”
This colourful booklet features a guide to exploring Vanderhoof, Fort Fraser, Fraser Lake and Fort St. James area. Readers are locals, tourists, business people and those considering moving to, or investing in our area. Added Bonus - the 2013 Vacation Planner will be online. Distribution: May 29th, 2013.
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