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Major Crime Unit joining search for missing teen

The search for Penelakut Island teen Delores (Deedee) Brown has intensified.
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Delores Brown has been missing since Monday.

The search for Penelakut Island teen Delores (Deedee) Brown has intensified.

The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit has joined the Ladysmith RCMP and the Island District General Investigation Section in an expanded investigation into the 18-year-old’s disappearance.

Brown was last seen on Penelakut Island on July 27. She was reported missing two days later. Family says it’s uncharacteristic for Brown to not be reachable.

Island District RCMP spokesman Cpl. Darren Lagan said there were no updates after a weekend of searching.

“Our team of investigators continue their work at this hour, ensuring every investigative lead is followed up, in an effort to bring answers to Delores’ family and her community,” Lagan said. “We urge anyone with information on her whereabouts to call us immediately.”

Brown is a First Nations woman standing approximately five-foot-six and weighing about 120 pounds. She was last seen wearing blue jeans, a hoodie and carrying a backpack and was leaving the Island to go to visit her grandmother, who lives in Chemainus.

Due to health reasons, Brown’s grandmother is unable to confirm if she arrived for her planned visit.

“This is very out of character for Miss Brown, who has left behind her phone,” said Cpl. Rick Fraser of the Ladysmith RCMP. “Her family is very worried.”

Community members have joined the family in an active search for Brown. They have knocked on doors and searched the shoreline without results.

Police ask anyone who may have seen Delores since July 27, 2015, or has information on her whereabouts, to contact the Ladysmith RCMP at 250-245-2215 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.



Sarah Simpson

About the Author: Sarah Simpson

I started my time with Black Press Media as an intern, before joining the Citizen in the summer of 2004.
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