Someone knows something.
That’s what family and friends of Ashley Morin - who went missing from North Battleford mid-July 2018 - believe.
“If you know something tell the RCMP, phone Crime Stoppers,” said Ashley’s big sister Janine Morin in a Zoom interview April 21. “Like two years is long enough.”
Likewise, Krista Fox, a long-time Morin family friend, agreed.
“There are people that know something.”
They may not be talking yet, they may not be helping bring Ashley home, but they have to live with their conscience, say those close to her.
“They are living with this,” said Fox. “We are living with the love and connection we still feel for Ashley. They are living with what has happened and that has to be a horrible life. All I can wish for them is ‘you have to live with whatever happened and I hope it eats you inside and out. You guys have to live with this.’”
Saskatchewan RCMP haven’t stopped investigating Morin’s disappearance.
In 2019 RCMP released an image of a two-tone van (lighter on the top, darker on the bottom), that doesn’t appear to have any windows. Police say it was at the corner of 96 Street and 16 Avenue in North Battleford – one of the last places police say Morin was seen at about 9:30 p.m., July 10, 2018. Police said the van, or the people who may have been inside it, may have valuable information.
“We have received many tips from members of the public since we issued our release in the one-year anniversary of Ashley’s disappearance,” said Jessica Cantos, from Saskatchewan RCMP Media Relations in Regina on April 20. “Saskatchewan RCMP along with the Major Crimes Unit continues to investigate the disappearance of Ashley. Our efforts are focused on determining what happened to Ashley and bringing her home.”
In 2019, on the one-year anniversary of Ashley Morin’s disappearance, Saskatchewan RCMP said based on numerous Crime Stoppers tips and witness statements, they believe Morin, who was 31 when she went missing, is a victim of a homicide. RCMP said they didn’t find any social media, mobile phone or bank account activity linked to Morin.
Police say Morin’s last contact with her family was on July 10, 2018.
“Information was received indicating she may have been travelling to Lloydminster or Edmonton, Alta. but this has not been confirmed,” said the RCMP.
Family and friends have raised $20,000 for a reward for information that leads to finding Morin or that leads to someone’s arrest.
Morin is remembered for her kindness, generosity and sunny smile.
“She was the type of person regardless if you knew her or not, would give you the shirt off her back,” said Janine Morin. “If you needed it she was there. She was a very sweet, caring person. What really stands out about her, just basically she loved her family. She was there for her family regardless.
“Her smile, her laugh, her laugh was very contagious,” added Janine Morin.
Fox said Morin was vibrant.
“Her smile could absolutely light up a room.”
Morin was athletic and played soccer and hockey. She had a full-time job at the local casino and helped raise her friend’s daughter.
“She was a beautiful soul,” said Fox. “One of the most important things to her was her family.”
RCMP wouldn’t confirm whether or not they investigated any specific individuals whose names have come up during the investigation to Morin’s disappearance.
“We do not reveal any information of individuals we have or have not investigated as suspects,” said Cantos. “The investigation is still ongoing and we will only release information of an accused once charges have been laid.”
Anyone with information about the disappearance of Ashley Morin is asked to contact their local RCMP detachment. Information can also be submitted anonymously through Saskatchewan CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
“We need whoever is responsible for her disappearance to know this family is not giving up,” said Fox. “We are not going to sit idle and let this story fade away. It’s never going to go away and we’re never going to give up.”
