Missing man’s family appeals for help
McElwee’s parents are pleading for any info that can at least help bring home his remains
The parents of a missing Burnaby man who is believed to have been murdered a decade ago are pleading for the public’s help in bringing home their son’s body.
Kellen McElwee, who was age 25 and living in Burnaby, disappeared in spring 2008 after having dinner in Langley. His car was found days later, but there was no sign of McElwee. Shortly after his disappearance, RCMP turned the file over to the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.
Throughout the investigation, police weren’t able to find any conclusive links between McElwee’s disappearance and any gang activity, drugs or organized crime. As time passed, the hope of finding McElwee alive dwindled. On Thursday, McElwee’s parents, Paula and Len, issued a new statement, asking anyone who may have information about McElwee’s death to speak with police in hopes of finding his remains.
The couple remember their son as having had a “normal” childhood that involved hockey and baseball. They described him as a “good student.”
“He had the widest smile and the kindest heart. He was very unassuming, but he had his own opinions and stood up for his beliefs,” the parents wrote. “Kellen was a driven and passionate young man when he was faced with a challenge or a friend needed help.”
McElwee’s parents are pleading for any info that can at least help bring home his remains.
“The last 20 years have not been easy for our family,” the statement reads. “Kellen would now have been 35 years old. He might have married and he might have had children who we will never get to meet. We would like to bring Kellen home.”
McElwee’s parents go on to ask that anyone who may have heard “rumours or stories about what happened to Kellen,” or who may have seen “something on Facebook or another social-media site about what happened to Kellen,” to share the details with police.
“We would be eternally grateful if you are able to provide the police with any information,” the couple wrote, noting that no small piece of info is “irrelevant” and that tipsters can remain anonymous. “We are making this appeal particularly to those who knew Kellen and may have valuable information that can help the police solve his murder and find his remains. Kellen’s presence will always remain with family and friends. We hope this public plea will help bring Kellen and our family the justice he deserves.”
At the time of his disappearance, McElwee was wearing a black longsleeved shirt, jeans and a brown jacket. He also had a black and white dragon tattoo near his left shoulder.
Anyone with information about McElwee’s disappearance and death is asked to contact the IHIT tip line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448), or by email to ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. Those who wish to remain anonymous can reach out to Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).