The parents of Michael Dunahee, who went missing from a playground in Victoria 30 years ago, are hoping a new age-enhanced sketch of their son will bring him home or provide closure.
Michael was four when he went missing from a playground next to the former Blanshard Elementary School on March 24, 1991. His parents were getting equipment together for a touch-football game in the school playing field, and Michael was allowed to go to the playground a few metres from the car and wait for his father. Bruce and Crystal Dunahee never saw their son again.
Despite more than 10,000 tips over three decades and of the largest police investigations in Canadian history, the case remains unsolved.
“Someone out there knows what happened to Michael 30 years ago today. We need to hear it from that person,” said Const. Cam MacIntyre during a press conference Wednesday with the Dunahee family.
On the 30th anniversary of his disappearance, police are releasing a new sketch depicting what Michael might look like at age 34 and launching an online tip portal.
Victoria Police Chief Del Manak said officers have investigated persons of interest over the years, and the case is still open. In his 31-year policing career, the investigation into Michael’s disappearance is “unparalleled,” Manak said. “I know that we’ve had investigators on this case from day one. Hundreds of investigators, hundreds of volunteers who in the early stages were out, all with the common mission of finding Michael.”
Police are hoping the new sketch will lead to additional tips, Manak said. “We know that that nugget of truth is out there.”
Bruce Dunahee told reporters his son is almost always on his mind, and he often wears a T-shirt featuring Michael’s photo to bring attention to his disappearance.
The Dunahees are hoping Michael will recognize himself in the sketch and get in touch.
“Also, if there’s people that might recognize this picture, and know somebody who looks like him, hopefully they can get him to do a DNA test,” Bruce Dunahee said.
Michael’s family has worked to bring attention to Michael’s disappearance each year with an annual Michael Dunahee Keep the Hope Alive run and walk that raises money for Child Find B.C.
Anyone with information related to Michael’s disappearance is asked to share it with police via a new online portal at vicpd.ca/michaeldunaheetips, or phone VicPD’s dedicated Michael Dunahee tip line at 250-995-7444.
