It has now been one year since the RCMP started their investigation into the homicide of local teen Chassidy Charlie.
As reported in the Lakes District News edition of Feb. 2, 2011, Burns Lake RCMP were called to an Uncha Mountain Road home at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Jan 26. 2011 following the report of an unconscious girl at the home.
Upon their arrival, the Burns Lake RCMP determined the girl had passed away and noted the cause of her death to be under suspicious circumstances.
According to Sgt. Rob Vermeulen, from RCMP's E division, following a Jan. 31, 2011 autopsy to determine the 17 year olds cause of death, a homicide investigation was launched.
Since then, RCMP have not released any further details about the autopsy or the cause of the teen's death.
However the girl's mother Geraldine Charlie spoke with the media soon after her daughter's body was discovered. Charlie said she found her daughter Chassidy in their Uncha Mountain Road home. "Her face was burnt, half of her hair was gone and her cell phone is missing," she said.
RCMP concluded a full examination of the scene. "Investigators released the property late in the day on Jan. 31. Resources including forensic specialists, North District Major Crime investigators and members of the Burns Lake RCMP are involved in this priority investigation. Our investigation is progressing,” said Sgt. Vermeulen.
RCMP North District Office media officer, Cst. Lesley Smith said that the investigation into the homicide is still continuing, but added that she could not release any further details.