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B.C. Coroners Service launches interactive tool to assist with unsolved cases

The B.C. Coroners Service has launched a new interactive map which aims to help close unsolved cases involving unidentified human remains.
Jane Doe 1985 Rectangle
A composite sketch of Jane Doe. Her body was pulled from the Burrard Inlet back in 1985.

The B.C. Coroners Service has launched a new interactive map which aims to help close unsolved cases involving unidentified human remains.  

The unidentified human remains interactive viewer is an online tool that displays key information from every active investigation involving human remains. The map includes descriptions, a summary of key information and the approximate locations of where remains were found.

The map shows incidents like the discovery of a 50-year-old man’s body below Cleveland Dam in the early 90’s, among a number of other cold cases.    

“It’s our hope to gain new investigative leads that will lead to the identification of these unidentified individuals and bring closure to their families.” said Lisa Lapointe, B.C.’s Chief Coroner.  

The most detailed case involves a female victim that was found in the waters just off of Lonsdale Quay more than 30 years ago. Known only as Jane Doe, the victim's body was pulled from the Burrard Inlet on Dec. 12th, 1985. Estimated to be between 55 and 70 years old, Doe’s autopsy revealed she wore dentures and had the name “Bella” written on the boots she was found wearing.   

Though an appeal from the North Vancouver RCMP generated new leads into the investigation back in 2013, the case still remains unsolved.

Doe’s case is just one of many highlighted on the map. According to the coroners service, there are currently 200 unsolved cases involving human remains in B.C., the earliest of which dates back to the 1950’s.

Anyone with questions or information about any of these incidents are being urged to contact the Special Investigations Unit at: bccs.siu@gov.bc.ca