Barry Shpeley, father of Candace Shpeley, tapes a missing poster on a lamp post in Vancouver in July, 2009. Mr. Shpeley is now offering a $25,000 reward for information about what happened to his daughter.The Globe and Mail
The father of a B.C. woman who has been missing for more than nine years has offered a $25,000 reward for information about what happened to her.
Candace Shpeley was last seen in March, 2007. Her father held a news conference in Abbotsford, B.C., on Tuesday to mark her 33rd birthday.
"I'm looking for information on my daughter. Either she's alive, or she's dead. I have no idea," said Barry Shpeley.
"I'm offering $25,000 in cash to anybody who knows what happened to my daughter and can bring her back safely. If you don't know what happened to my daughter, maybe you know who's responsible for my daughter. This money, if you can get them arrested and convicted, is yours, too."
Ms. Shpeley's vehicle was discovered in a Vancouver neighbourhood after her disappearance, but police have not determined what happened to her.
Mr. Shpeley said he believes the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, which is leading the case, has neglected the file.
"My daughter's case has been shoved off to the side," he said.
IHIT spokesperson Sergeant Jennifer Pound said the homicide unit understands family members can become frustrated by the lack of information about a case.
She said the investigation remains active, but investigators have previously noted that a person of interest in the case died in prison. Sgt. Pound said the evidence collected to date suggests Ms. Shpeley met with foul play.
Mr. Shpeley said he believes his daughter may have been murdered, as he cannot believe she would simply walk away from her family. Her three children are now aged 15, 14, and 11.
Mr. Shpeley described his daughter as a warm, loving person who always wanted to help others.
He said her disappearance has been "a nightmare."