Melanie Ethier, 15, left a friend’s residence in New Liskeard at about 2 am Sept. 29, 1996, to walk home less than a kilometre away. She has not been seen or heard from since.
The investigation remains active and will remain open until the OPP determine the whereabouts of Melanie or can positively determine what happened to her.
This case is unique as Melanie seemed to “vanish without a trace,” the OPP states. However, OPP still believe someone out there has the information police seek in order to solve the case.
“We are hopeful that members of the public will continue to contact the OPP with new tips and information that will assist our investigation,” Det. Sgt. Lisa Laxton states in a media release. “No matter what information is provided by the public, I can assure it will be closely examined.”
The OPP says it prides itself on “investigative excellence” and has a “longstanding tradition of conducting thorough and detailed investigations, and that is certainly the case with the disappearance of Melanie Ethier.”
“This case is particularly challenging as it is difficult to find answers to a person’s disappearance when they have literally vanished without a trace,” Laxton says. “We are confident someone knows something that can assist OPP, and we encourage anyone to come forward.”
Anyone with any information regarding this missing person case should immediately contact Laxton at 705-647-8400. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) and you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
