Travis Vader fixated on love life the day McCanns disappeared, texts reveal
Texts show obsessive campaign by Vader to reconcile with ex-girlfriend Amber Williams
The elderly St. Albert couple was last seen alive on July 3, 2010. According to the Crown, Vader killed them on that date at or near Peers, Alta.
As part of an intensive investigation, RCMP obtained a court order for phone records and text messages. The texts show an obsessive campaign launched by Vader to reconcile with his ex-girlfriend, Amber Williams.
The day before the McCanns disappeared, Vader, who had warrants for his arrest on a laundry list of theft and weapons charges, described life on the run in his texts to Williams.
July 2, 2:27 a.m.
"Hey it's travis. I need you amber im having a hard time here babe i need to hold you and miss you i'm all alone no place to live or go no clean cloths im realy missing you my love i realy could use some love right know"
The next afternoon, Vader used the McCanns' cellphone to call and send texts to Williams, the Crown says.
But by that evening, he had a different cellphone.
July 3, 8:37 p.m.
"Hey my love i have a phone again pls it would be so nice to talk to you and see you again pls get back to me im so lonely and miss you so"
Eleven minutes later, Williams responds to Vader by text. She tells him they can't be around each other because it's not safe since he's "wanted pretty bad."
Vader suggests his legal troubles aren't all that serious.
July 3, 8:54 p.m.
"Sweetheart its all going to be Ok I know it looks bad now but I talked to a lawyer again and he seems to think ill be ok"
The court document shows Vader sent five more rapid-fire texts, begging to meet with Williams, assuring her he's off drugs, telling her he never thought he could love anyone as much as he loved her.
July 3, 9:07 p.m.
"And god amber what if they Do find me i at least we could have a chance to talk make love and decide how we are going to deal with everything"
Williams relented eight minutes later, promising Vader to "call you in a bit."
Three hours later, Williams still hadn't called and Vader's texts became increasingly desperate.
July 4, 12:15 a.m.
"Amber I need help i cant do this by my self or im going to starve pls amber"
July 4, 12:36 a.m.
"Come on someone help me im so F***ing tiered and hungry"
Williams seemed determined to keep her distance. She told him by text she couldn't help him, that he had to help himself.
Vader appeared to get angry.
July 4, 12:53
"You came to me with nothing and I did everything i could then lost my job im sorry but i wouldnot do this to you i cant believe you are"
Vader alluded to a life on the run. During his trial, the court was told he was living in the bush at the time.
July 4, 2:59 a.m.
"You left me with No money No food No wheels nothing Ok so im doing pretty good i think but realy i need you amber pls help me pls"
The accused killer made reference to a stolen vehicle, but it's not clear which vehicle he is referring to. Evidence at the trial has linked him to a stolen white pickup truck as well as the McCann SUV.
July 4, 3:05 a.m.
"I had zero money and hot wheels and i miss you amber and love you. And just wanted to hold you. And kiss you again."
Two minutes later, Vader texted Williams he was going to look for help from "someone that truly loves me."
Later that day, he showed up at his sister's house in Edmonton.
There has been no testimony about the texts at the trial to confirm their authenticity and relevancy in the case.
Amber Williams is expected to testify later that Vader used the McCanns' cellphone to try to contact her and send the texts.
Editor's Note: The texts have been reproduced accurately according to the court documents, including all typos and grammatical errors.