Media Release - Prince Albert Police Service Marks Red Dress Day 2021

Members and staff with the Prince Albert Police Service continue to work toward reconciliation and understanding as we mark Red Dress Day, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Women and Girls (MMIWG) in Canada.

“Today, on Red Dress Day, we honour those who have been lost due to violence, and join their families in promoting awareness and understanding,” said Prince Albert Police Chief Jonathan Bergen. “As a police service, we continue to actively investigate reports of violence involving missing and murdered Indigenous people, and support and honour their families. No family should have to suffer from the burden of not knowing what happened to their loved one.”

Investigators continue to investigate the unsolved homicide of Jean LaChance, who died due to violence in September 1991 at the age of 29. Ms. LaChance left behind five children. Her killer has not yet been charged.

Nine long-term missing persons files also remain under investigation by the police service, including:

• Happy Charles: Missing Since April 3, 2017. Ms. Charles was last seen near P.A.C.I.
• Ernestine Kasyon: Missing Since December 6, 1989. Ms. Kasyon was last seen on the evening of December 6, 1989 while using a payphone in the 100 Block of 10^th Street East.
• Robert Allan Wiggins: Missing Since July 28, 1980. He was last seen just before sunrise on July 28, 1980 after getting a ride to a residence in the 500 Block of 11^th Street East.
• Samuel LaChance: Missing Since July 29, 1987.
• June Ann Johnson: Missing Since August 3, 1979. Ms. Johnson was last seen leaving the former Marlboro Inn in the Unit Block of 13^th Street East.
• Timothy Charlette: Missing Since October 4, 2014. Mr. Charlette was last seen on the train bridge overlooking the North Saskatchewan River.
• Norman James Halkett: Missing Since March 16, 2003. Mr. Halkett’s last location is unknown.
• Joseph Couldwell: Missing Since May 25, 1981. He was last seen near the North Saskatchewan River.
• William Slywka: Missing Since November 7, 1982. Last seen leaving North Park Centre and may have been in the area around Little Red River Park.

Missing Persons and Historical Case Investigator Sgt. Kathy Edwardsen continues to appeal to the public for tips and information in these ongoing investigations.

“We will never stop investigating and searching for answers,” Sgt. Edwardsen said. “Their families deserve to know the truth so that they can find closure. Someone knows what happened, and we urge them to come forward to police.”

Anyone with information about any unsolved files is urged to contact police at 306-953-4222, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.