Edmonton police release composite sketch of child missing for 43 years

Edmonton police released a new composite sketch of a child that went missing in 1983, Tania Murrell.

Edmonton police have released a newly created age-progression composite sketch of Tania Murrell on the 43rd anniversary of her disappearance in hopes of generating information from the public.

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Murrell was six years old when she was last seen walking home from Grovenor Elementary School on Jan. 20, 1983, at approximately 11 a.m. for lunch.

Family and friends reported her missing when she did not arrive home.

“Despite four decades of extensive investigative efforts, her disappearance remains unsolved,” said a news release from the Edmonton Police Service (EPS). “The case continues to weigh heavily on all those involved including Tania’s surviving family members, police and the community.”

Murrell is the only outstanding missing child case with EPS.

Working with Murrell’s family, detectives from the EPS historical crimes unit have created an age-progression composite sketch depicting how Murrell may look today at age 49. The sketch was created using photographs, known physical characteristics, modern forensic techniques and direct consultation with family.

Police say it is important to know that an age-progression image is an investigative tool and not a definitive representation.

“In cases where there have been no new advancements for decades, age-pregression sketches allow us to show what a missing child may look like today if they were alive,” said Det. Melanie Grace in a media release.

“We’re hoping this will jog someone’s memory. Maybe there is someone out there who remembers a detail from the time of her disappearance or from someone who believes they recognize the person depicted in the sketches.

“Even small details can be critical in advancing the investigation.”

At the time of her disappearance, Murrell was noted to be wearing a blue and white winter coat, green corduroy pants, a black Harley Davidson T-shirt and brown boots. She has a noticeable birthmark on her forehead at her right temple.

“On the 43rd anniversary of the disappearance of my niece, Tania, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the many people who have been involved in the search for answers and have kept hope alive for more than four decades,” said Murrell’s aunt Vera Stortz in the release.

Anyone with information about Murrell’s disappearance is asked to contact EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.