EARLY LIFE:
Rebecca Louisa “Becky” Guno was born on May 25, 1960, in northwest British Columbia. A member of the Nisga’a Nation, she grew up with her father, a logger who struggled with alcoholism, and her her two older brothers. Her younger sisters lived with their aunt.
As a child, Rebecca and her brothers were sent to residential school. At 17, she gave birth to a son, who was raised by a relative. Her second child died shortly after birth, suffering a crib death.
Rebecca moved to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside in the early 1980s, where she was involved in the sex-trade and became addicted to drugs. Despite her personal struggles, she’s remembered for being bubbly and happy.
DISAPPEARANCE:
On June 22, 1983, Rebecca took a city bus to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside with a female friend, with the plan being to meet up with friends for drinks at the Lone Star Hotel on Carrall Street – at least, that’s what she told her common-law husband. In actuality, she’d planned to meet up with a friend named Josh.
Rebecca was reported missing to the Vancouver Police Department three days later, on June 25, 1983. She’s one of several women to vanish within a 10-block area of the Downtown Eastside, with many confirmed to be victims of Canadian serial killer Robert Pickton. Rebecca is believed to be one of his victims, although her remains have not been located.
INVESTIGATION:
Rebecca’s wallet was found several blocks from her residence following her disappearance. The exact date is unknown, other than it was well after she’d been reported missing.
The case file has been investigated on three separate occasions, without any useable leads. The man known as “Josh” has never been located.
In October 2023, the RCMP highlighted Rebecca’s disappearance as part of its 10-week MMWIG campaign.
DETAILS:
Rebecca Louisa Guno went missing from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside on June 22, 1983. She was 23 years old, and at the time of her disappearance was wearing brown boots, glasses and a white wool sweater. She’s described as having a medium build, standing at 4’11” and weighing 130 pounds. She had long, straight black hair and brown eyes.
CASE CONTACT INFORMATION:
Rebecca’s case is currently classified as endangered missing, with homicide suspected.
Anyone with information regarding the investigation is asked to contact the Vancouver Police Department at (604) 717-3321 or (604) 717-2530, or the Vancouver Missing Women’s Tip Line at +1 (877) 687-3377.
Tips can also be called into Crimestoppers at (604) 662-8477 or +1 (800) 222-8477.
Image Credit: RCMP
Stories of the Unsolved 