The family of a missing northern Alberta woman believes she was taken against her will and are making a public plea for any information on her whereabouts.
Mandi Leigh Boucher, 25, was last seen on Oct. 28, 2017 on the Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement in northern Alberta.
Police believe she is with Lloyd Wesley Boudreau, who is wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for the first-degree murder of Michael Mountain.
Mountain, 26, died in hospital after being shot in a house in Lac La Biche on Oct. 28, 2017. Police don’t believe Boucher had anything to do with his death.
“We need you back. We need our lives back,” said Brittany Boucher, Mandi’s older sister, said on Wednesday.
“The kids ask about you constantly. While I choke back tears, I’m honest and tell them you’re still lost.
Brittany said the family believes Mandi was taken against her will because it is unusual for her to go so long without contacting her family. She said Mandi, who has a seven-year-old son, and Boudreau have known each other for five years and were in a relationship.
“Mandi, the days and nights have been so long without you. The pain that fills out hearts is something we wouldn’t wish on anyone,” Brittany said.
“We feel robbed of a life, a sister, a best friend. Our life came to a halt when you disappeared.
“I’m afraid of whether you may be coming back in a body bag or coming back shattered. But with either situation, our heavy hearts and tired minds can have some peace. I’m afraid for you… I’m concerned for your well-being.”
Mandi family described her as strong, funny and kind-hearted. Sister Brittany said she is preparing for the worst.
“I have been because it’s been so long. It’s been too long. It’s not like her.”
Brittany said her last conversation with Mandi was through Facebook messages on Oct. 28, 2017.
“It was just a lot of ‘I love you’ and asking how the family was doing,” Brittany said, adding she didn’t notice any red flags in the messages.
Great-aunt Delia Boucher said Mandi’s disappearance has been tough on the family.
“Lloyd, if you have my niece, could you please bring her home safe and sound because we love her and turn yourself in because you’re putting us through hell.”
On Nov. 17, 2017 police issued a news release saying they were looking for Mandi and believed she was with Boudreau. At the time, police said they had received tips that the two had been spotted in Lac La Biche, St. Paul and Edmonton.
Police believe several people may be helping Boudreau evade capture.
On Wednesday, Cpl. Chris Warren with K Division’s Strategic Communications would not say whether there have been any recent sightings and would not comment on whether Mandi’s life may be at risk.
“The family hasn’t heard from Mandi so that’s out of character for her. With that, we are seeking the public’s assistance to locate Mandi safely,” he said.
“We’re very hopeful that Mandi will be located safely.”
The family said they aren’t asking for much, just the return of their loved one.
“Please, Mandi, if you’re out there somewhere call me, message me, even just let us know you are okay. We’re dying inside,” Brittany said.
Anyone with information about Mandi or Boudreau is asked to contact Boyle RCMP at 780-623-4380, or a local police department. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
-with files from Kirby Bourne, Global News
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