Suspect in Alta. couple's disappearance denied bail

Travis Vader, a suspect in the disappearance of Alberta couple Lyle and Marie Ann McCann, was denied bail Friday.

Police believe Vader, who is being held in custody on unrelated matters, has information about the McCanns or had some involvement with them, although he has not been charged with anything related to the couple's disappearance.

His bail hearing was in relation to theft, firearms and arson charges. Vader, 38, will remain at the Edmonton Remand Centre.

"We're all quite relieved," said Bret McCann, the couple's son, outside court. "This whole thing has been a nightmare."

Members of the McCann family were disappointed Vader was not in court for the hearing. They had been hoping he would see them.

"Maybe he might realize what pain we're going through and hopefully step forward," said McCann after the hearing.

Lyle McCann, 78, and his wife Marie Ann McCann, 77, disappeared last summer shortly after leaving on a holiday. 

The McCanns were last seen on July 3, getting gas in St. Albert, Alta., shortly after they left their home in suburban Edmonton on their way to the Vancouver area.

The couple's motorhome was found two days later burned to a shell, but the missing persons investigation didn't begin until July 10, when their daughter reported them missing after they didn't meet her as planned at the airport in Abbotsford, B.C.