Fate of man remains mystery 19 years after disappearance
Family of Steven O’brien, who vanished in 1993, is hopeful that some day there will be an answer
Steven O’Brien was born 38 years ago.
His immediate family has not seen him for the last half of those years.
They have not heard from him. They have not heard of him.
Janet O’Brien of Iona, P. E. I., says her son’s disappearance 19 years ago has left a void in her family that she keeps hoping will one day be filled.
“I do remain hopeful that some day there will be an answer,’’ she said.
“We just hold on to that hope that he is still out there and for whatever reason has not come home.’’
Two months shy of his 19th birthday, Steven was a first- year student at Holland College’s Culinary Institute in Charlottetown when he went missing after a night out with friends on March 20, 1993. He was seen at the former nightclub called Myron’s and he was last seen on Queen Street alone and was never seen again.
At the time of his disappearance, he was a typical student, living downtown in Charlottetown and working at the Culinary Institute in his free time.
“He was a kid that enjoyed family,’’ said O’Brien. “He enjoyed nature,
getting out for a walk on the trail back to the woods ... and being with friends. Friends were important to him.’’
Steven wanted to become a chef. He used to make a birthday cake for his mother every year.
O’Brien does not need any special occasion like Steven’s birthday or the date of his disappearance to have her thoughts drift to her son, who has a brother and two sisters.
“For me he is on my mind every day ... he’s on my mind constantly,’’ she said.
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection’s MissingKids.ca program is appealing to members of the public with any information about this case to come forward.
“Let’s not let another day, another month, another year go by for Steven’s family to be waiting for answers,’’ said Christy Dzikowicz, director of MissingKids.Ca.
“We encourage anyone who has any information about this young man’s disappearance to come forward today so that his family can bring him home.’’
The day of his disappearance, Steven was wearing wire- framed prescription glasses, a burgundy L. L. Bean plaid- lined jacket, blue jeans and hiking boots. Steven’s family believes he may have had his keys on him, however, his wallet and other personal effects were left in his apartment.
The Charlottetown Police Services has been investigating the disappearance for 19 years, says Det./ Const. Randy Currie.
“We will continue to follow up on any information regarding his disappearance and whereabouts in an attempt to find the truth and bring answers for the family,’’ he said.
O’Brien says she needs to know the fate of her son. She still holds on to hope Steven is alive because, she notes, the family has not received any news to lead them to think otherwise.
“Just wanting to get an answer if he is out there. We do need closure.’’
Anyone with information regarding Steven or any other missing child is urged to contact their local law enforcement office or contact MissingKids.ca at 1800-543-8477.
Tips can also be submitted online at miss-ingkids.ca.