REGINA – A heartbreaking story out of Alberta this week where a 22-year-old man was charged with the murder of 2-year-old Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette and her 27-year-old father Terry Blanchette.
An Amber Alert was issued for the little girl on Monday. By Tuesday afternoon, RCMP had found her body in a rural area near Blairmore.
The search was extensive – spanning to neighbouring provinces British Columbia and Saskatchewan, as well as south of the border to Montana.
After issuing Amber Alerts, RCMP reach out to organizations like Child Find Saskatchewan to assist in the investigation.
“We like to hit places like campgrounds, little diners, little bus depots, out-of-the-way airports, bed and breakfasts – places where an abductor might take a child,” said Sue Ramsay, case manager for Child Find Saskatchewan.
Missing persons reports are issued by local police detachments, while Amber Alerts are sent out by the RCMP.
In order to issue an Amber Alert RCMP must be able to confirm that the child is under 17 years old and/or has a mental or physical impairment. Additionally, authorities need evidence of a kidnapping or abduction, and that the victim could be injured or worse, dead.
RCMP also require information about the abductor and a description of the victim to relay to the public. Social media is playing an increasingly important role in sharing that information.
“Especially in this day and age we have so many social media platforms where that information can get right out now,” Ramsay said. “People share it and you can imagine how that multiplies.”
Amber Alerts are re-examined every 24-hours so the most updated information is available to the public.
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