A quarter of a century ago, four-year-old Michael Dunahee disappeared from a Victoria playground.
It was March 24, 1991.
Victoria Police say Michael’s disappearance spawned one of the largest police investigations in Canadian history, and the case remains an active investigation.
Dunahee was last seen at about 12:30 p.m. in the area of the playground at Blanshard Elementary School.
WATCH: Original air date – March 25, 1991
In a March 2013 interview with Global News, Crystal Dunahee looked back on that day: “Giving my permission to let him go play in the park by himself … I should have made him wait. That’s the hardest part to deal with.”
He was wearing a blue hooded jacket with red lining and red cuffs, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles t-shirt, multi-coloured rugby pants and blue sneakers.
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WATCH: Original air date – March 26, 1991
In 2013 police tested the DNA of a Surrey man following a tip from a member of the public that the man bore a striking resemblance to Michael.
The man said he had no memory prior to Grade 1, and believed there was a possibility he could be Michael Dunahee. However, the test confirmed he was not the missing boy.
WATCH: Original air date – March 27, 1991
Crystal Dunahee told Global News in 1991 that they just want Michael home. “Your family’s here waiting for you,” she said.
The website michaeldunahee.ca was set up as a project of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, and provides information on the disappearance. The site displays family photos, home video, and maps of the area where he was last seen. It aims to raise awareness of the case as well as soliciting leads to new tips.
If anyone has information about Michael Dunahee’s disappearance, they can contact VicPD’s dedicated Tip Line at 250-995-7444 or, to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Officers remain committed to this investigation and continue to investigate Michael’s disappearance.
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