Indigenous leaders outraged over VPD's investigation of Chelsea Poorman's death
For nearly two years, family and friends of Chelsea Poorman agonized over her sudden disappearance. Now that her skeletal remains have been found, it has brought little comfort for her loved ones.
Indigenous leaders said they are angered that Vancouver police have declared her death as not suspicious, while the circumstance of her death has created a lot of suspicion.
Last Friday, the VPD announced her remains were found on the property of a vacant Shaughnessy home.
Poorman was last seen in the Granville Street area in Sept. 2020, and police did not know how she ended up in the upscale neighbourhood.
“It just seems like there are more questions than answers…when you hear everything, it just sounds suspicious,” said Annita McPhee with B.C. First Nations Justice Council, which aims to transform the justice system for Indigenous peoples.
At a vigil last weekend, Poorman’s mother revealed the 24-year-old was found without her cranium and she was missing some fingers.
Her mother also told others she was found in a blanket on the balcony of the empty Shaughnessy home.
“The fact that they found her at a vacant building…and the fact that her mother said, you know, they found her with a blanket covering her up – she could not have done that herself,” McPhee said.
VPD spokesperson Const. Tania Visintin said there is not enough evidence to suggest Poorman’s death was criminal in nature.
Visintin said her disappearance was investigated by the Missing Persons Unit and Major Crime Section, which is led by senior homicide investigators.
“This investigation was detailed and complex. A number of investigative techniques were used to gather evidence and information that might lead to Chelsea's whereabouts or provide insight about why she disappeared,” Visintin wrote in an e-mail statement.
The B.C. Coroners Service said it is still investigating and has not determined how Poorman died, adding investigations typically last weeks, if not months.
But police remain steadfast that Poorman likely wasn’t killed.
“We know this news is unlikely to satisfy family, friends, and community members who knew Chelsea, loved her, and believe her death must have been the result of foul play,” Visintin wrote.
Police said the case is not closed and anyone with information is still asked to contact them.
“That doesn't bring much comfort to the family. It's pretty contradictory to say that, you know, this case is not closed, but you can turn around and tell the public that her death wasn't suspicious,” McPhee rebutted.
Poorman’s family has already indicated they will not stop fighting to find answers and justice for the young woman.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.