WATCH: A disturbing series of discoveries in Alberta has led the police to ask for public to help in tracking down a man they suspect is a serial killer. The remains of four women have been found near the same area – one of them had been missing for more than a decade. The RCMP are hoping someone might have information to help them crack the cases.
EDMONTON – A local woman who’s been missing since May of 2004 is now the focus of a murder investigation.
The human remains discovered on a rural property near Leduc have been identified as 27-year-old Corrie Ottenbreit.
“We may be dealing with a serial predator,” said Inspector Stacey Talbot of the Alberta RCMP Serious Crimes Branch.
The identity of Ottenbreit, a local sex-trade worker, was confirmed through DNA analysis of a hair sample she voluntarily provided the Project KARE’s pro-active street team in Dec. 13, 2003, for the sole purpose of assisting police in the event she went missing.
In the same area, remains of three other women were discovered in 2003, 2012 and 2015. The remains of Delores Brower were found at the same time and place as those of Ottenbreit’s.
READ MORE: Remains identified as Edmonton sex trade worker missing since 2004
The RCMP Historical Homicide Unit has taken the lead in the investigation, in conjunction with KARE.
“This is a very difficult time for the Ottenbreit family and our thoughts are with them today,” adds Inspector Talbot.
“Sadly, they now know where Corrie is and now we need the public’s help in finding out what happened to her. We hope that someone out there can help us.”
Ottenbreit lived in Edmonton. She was last seen by a family member at 10 p.m. on Sunday, May 9, 2004, when she left her home to go to work. She is known to have worked in the sex trade along 118 Avenue in northeast Edmonton.
“There are predators cruising these streets or the internet right now looking for woman who are in vulnerable situations,” said Kate Quinn, executive director for the Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation (CEASE).
RCMP timeline: Human remains found within an eight-kilometre radius in Leduc County
WATCH: Police have confirmed remains have been found of a missing woman in an area where the remains of three other women have also been discovered. Vinesh Pratap reports.
April 28, 2003 – Katie Sylvia Ballantyne is last seen in Edmonton. Her remains were found near Leduc on July 7, 2003.
May 15, 2004 – Delores Brower is last seen in Edmonton. Her remains were found on a rural property near Leduc on April 19, 2015.
May 9, 2004 – Corrie Ottenbreit is last seen in Edmonton. Her remains are found on a rural property near Leduc on April 19, 2015.
August 18, 2010 – Amber Tuccaro is last seen in Leduc County. Her remains are found on a rural property near Leduc on September 1, 2012.
Statement from the Ottenbreit family
“Today, we are mourning the loss of our beloved Corrie. Since May 2004, we have struggled with her absence from our lives. Today, we struggle with the sad news that we will never see her again.
“We trust that when people speak or write about Corrie’s life that they will honour her and what she meant to us.
“Corrie was a loving daughter, partner, sister and friend. Nothing can ever change that or the fond memories we have of our happy times together.
“Our only hope now is that we will someday learn more about what lead to her disappearance and death. We ask anyone who has any information that could help the police to come forward.
“We also ask that members of the media respect our privacy at this time, and use the picture of Corrie that was provided by the RCMP today in news coverage.”
RCMP say the investigations into all four deaths are ongoing.
Police are asking anyone with information related to the disappearance or death of Corrie Ottenbreit, or who may have seen her after May 9, 2004, to please call 1-877-412-KARE (5273) or the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-456. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
WATCH: Is the RCMP dealing with a serial killer? Insp. Gibson Glavin speaks with Gord about this troubling investigation.
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