Child's disappearance still a mystery 22 years on
Parents, police committed to search for Michael Dunahee decades later
Saturday marked the 22nd anniversary of one of Canada's most-publicized missing child cases — and police say they haven't given up hope of finding Michael Dunahee.
Dunahee was four years old when he vanished from the school playground at Blanshard Elementary School in Victoria, B.C., on March 24, 1991.
"I just keep thinking Michael would be about 25, 26 now, and that’s how old I was when he was born," his father, Bruce Dunahee, said Saturday. "I’m just wondering, do I have any grandchildren or where he is or what’s going on with his life."
Crystal Dunahee believes her son is still alive.
"It’s just that mother’s intuition," she said.
But despite extensive investigations, at least 11,000 tips to police, and international news coverage, Dunahee's disappearance remains a mystery.
"This is one of the biggest child abduction investigations that’s ever been investigated," said Const. Mike Russell with the Victoria Police Department.
"We’re committed to finding out who did it and we’ve said that all along. It's still discussed in the halls. The officers here who’ve been working since then, who were there on that day — it still greatly affects them."
Over the years, police have released a number of composite sketches to show what the boy might look like as a teen and young adult.
Dunahee's parents hope someone will remember something and come forward.
"It’s been 22 years," Bruce Dunahee said. "We need an answer. We’ve got to start putting this behind us, and we just need you to come forward with the right answer and the right tip."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Victoria Police Department or Crime Stoppers.