EARLY LIFE:
Deanna Marie Bellerose was born on October 29, 1972. The sister to three siblings – Ginger Lee, Darcy and Gerald – her family experienced several tragedies growing up. Their father wan’t in the picture and their mother died by suicide when Deanna was just a teenager. Ginger Lee was also murdered in 2001 by Richard David Douglas, who was subsequently convicted of second-degree murder.
Despite these events, Deanna managed to keep a good attitude, with those around her noting her sense of humour and ability to love. At the time of her disappearance, she was the mother to four children and engaging in survival sex. While struggling with drug dependence, the 29-year-old was hoping to get clean.
DISAPPEARANCE & MURDER:
Deanna was last seen getting into a car near 95 Street and 105A Avenue, in the inner city of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The date was September 9, 2002. She was with a friend, who said she’d been working as a prostitute that evening. She’d allegedly been in contact with several unknown individuals throughout the day. At one point, the unnamed friend left her alone. When he returned, Deanna was gone.
It was another week before the 29-year-old was reported missing by her family.
Nearly 10 years later, on May 16, 2012, Deanna’s remains were found by a surveyor working in a field near Morinville, Sturgeon County, Alberta, approximately 40 km north of where she was last seen. As so much time had passed, it was impossible to determine a cause of death.
INVESTIGATION:
Following the discovery of Deanna’s remains, investigators looked into a possible link between her murder and Ginger Lee’s. They also examined other similar cases, as the Edmonton Police Service was dealing with a series of missing women who’d disappeared and were later found in rural areas, but they were unable to find any connections.
Very little has been released regarding the investigation into Deanna’s murder. Project KARE, part of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), continues to look into the case, alongside authorities in Edmonton.
CASE CONTACT INFORMATION:
Anyone with information regarding Deanna’s murder is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at (780) 423-4567. Tips can also be called into Project KARE at +1 (877) 412-5273.
Image Credit: CBC
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