Victoria police have released an age-progression image of what Emma Fillipoff might look like now, 10 years after she vanished from downtown Victoria.
Fillipoff, then 26, left a women’s shelter at about 6 p.m. on Nov. 28, 2012, and was last seen more than an hour later, walking barefoot in front of the Fairmont Empress Hotel on Government Street.
A passerby saw her and called 911. Victoria police said officers “spoke with her at length,” and after ensuring her well-being, Fillipoff continued on her way.
She hasn’t been seen or heard from since.
Victoria police said Fillipoff’s disappearance continues to be actively investigated. But despite hundreds of tips from across Canada and around the world, there have been no confirmed sightings.
VicPD detectives made a request through the RCMP for its forensic artist to produce the age-progression drawing of what Fillipoff might look like at age 36, “to assist with the continued efforts of investigators and Emma’s family to bring her home.”
But police said complete accuracy is difficult.
“Did the person go from being an active individual to a couch potato, or are they now an ultra-marathon runner?” said a stataement from VicPD. “For Emma specifically, we didn’t know if she may be unhoused, or if she is living a happy and healthy lifestyle in another location.”
Police said the forensic artist’s goal is to capture the essence of the person they are depicting, but also aging them appropriately.
The artist spoke with Emma’s mother, Shelley Fillipoff, and a number of different photos were provided for reference.
“Emma had a youthful appearance and she has a very youthful air about her,” said the police statement.
“Her energy comes through in the photos she took, which the artist was able to replicate in his image to better the odds that viewers may recognize that person and contact the police.”
Police ask anyone who sees Fillipoff or has any information about where she may be to contact the VicPD non-emergency line at 250-995-7654, or your local police department.
Information can also be anonymously provided through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
