‘She has not been forgotten’: Renewed appeal for information 20 years after Surrey woman’s death

Michelle Caroline Choiniere was 25 years old on Sept. 27, 2005, when she told her mother she was going out and would check in later that day. The Surrey resident was never heard from again. (IHIT)

B.C. homicide investigators say they need more information to solve a case that’s been ongoing for more than 20 years.

Michelle Caroline Choiniere was 25 years old on Sept. 27, 2005, when she told her mother she was going out and would check in later that day.

The Surrey resident was never heard from again.

On Wednesday, the Lower Mainland’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team marked 20 years since Choiniere’s disappearance by renewing its appeal for information about the case.

Choiniere’s family filed a missing person report on Oct. 17, 2005, according to IHIT, which said investigators determined she was last seen in Surrey’s Guildford neighbourhood, though the exact date was unknown.

Two years later, in December 2007, Choiniere’s remains were discovered on Vedder Mountain in Chilliwack. IHIT took over the case at this point, because criminality was suspected, the team said.

Police “explored a number of investigative avenues” and continue to investigate the case, but they need anyone with information to come forward, IHIT said.

“Twenty years have passed, but she has not been forgotten,” said Sgt. Freda Fong, in the release.

“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.”

IHIT’s statement on Wednesday also included an appeal from Choiniere’s family addressed directly to the person responsible for her death.

“You hold the truth,” the statement reads, in part.

“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.”

It goes on to say the family is not seeking vengeance, “just answers, truth and peace.”

“Please come forward to the IHIT investigators,” it continues. “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.”

The IHIT information line can be reached by phone at 877-551-4448 or by email at [e-mail]. Anonymous tips can be shared via Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.