Disappearance of Ashley Morin now believed to be a homicide, say RCMP

Saskatchewan RCMP now believe Ashley Morin, a Saskatchewan woman last seen July 10, 2018, is the victim of a homicide, they announced on Wednesday, the one-year anniversary of Morin's disappearance.

Police released new information and an image of a vehicle believed to have been driven by the person or people responsible for Morin's death.

Family spokesperson Krista Fox said Morin's family is heartbroken by the news. 

"Absolutely stunning. Unexpected. Heartbreaking, just overall sadness," Fox said of the family's reaction to the news. 

Fox said the family was told there would be a one-year anniversary news release published on Wednesday and they were told it was possible the word homicide would be used. 

But they didn't know police would be classifying her case as a homicide.

Fox said she and the family feel as though there is a disconnect between them and the RCMP in the investigation.

Police release picture of van from day Morin disappeared

Police say they are looking for more information surrounding a van which appears to have a black and white, two-tone paint job and no windows.

The van was spotted around 96th Street and 16th Avenue in North Battleford around 9:30 p.m. the night Morin disappeared. Police say that area is one of the last places Morin was seen. She was 31 years old at the time.

Signs of Morin, such as mobile phone usage, social media pages and her bank account, have yielded no results.

RCMP are renewing calls for information into the disappearance and where she might be. Anyone with information is asked to call the RCMP Major Crime Unit North at 306-975-5153 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. 

Family organizes walk to keep Morin's memory alive

Morin's family are walking between Saskatoon and North Battleford over the weekend, starting Friday at 8 a.m. in front of the Saskatoon Police Service offices. 

Fox said she sat down with Morin's mother and sister when they started to realize all of the firsts they've experienced without her. Things like birthdays, the first Mother's Day, the first Father's Day, all passed by for the first time since she disappeared.

They decided they were going to walk to keep Morin's face in the public eye.

"We want to remind people that she's out there and that we're looking and we're searching and we're never going to give up," Fox said.

She said the family has the support of the Saskatoon Police Service Missing Persons Liaison, and while she's not sure how many people will walk alongside the family, everyone is welcome to join. 

Fox said the family is aiming to reach Borden on their first day of walking, followed by a stop in Maymont on Saturday before reaching North Battleford sometime on Sunday.

"We are not giving up. We haven't lost hope and we will bring her home, no matter what that looks like, we will never give up. We will continue our fight until we bring our beautiful girl home."