What is and isn't known about the finding of Madison Scott

And I'm getting old. Read to the end for a crow wearing an iced coffee lid.

Hi there. Apologies for the unplanned lack of a newsletter yesterday. I had myself a little skateboarding injury and started playing video games to keep myself off my feet and ironically that stopped me from writing (did you know you can play as Ted Lasso’s team in FIFA 23?). As for the injury, I got it assessed and it shouldn’t be anything I don’t recover from, but I’ll be avoiding anything high impact for a couple of weeks, at least. Here’s today’s newsletter.

---

Remains of Madison Scott found 12 years after mysterious disappearance from party near Vanderhoof, B.C.

This is honestly somewhat surreal. The day after the 12th anniversary of Scott’s disappearance, police put out a release that in something of a buried lead reveal edthe first major breakthrough in the case in over a decade — the discovery of her remains.

I know many people in Vanderhoof, Prince George and beyond are feeling a lot of feelings about this one — Scott’s story and her face are a common sight, even still, with people holding out hope with yearly searches and continuous campaigns for information. Her disappearance occurred around the same time as a confirmed serial killer was operating in the area as well as around the time more people started paying attention to the disappearances along the Highway of Tears and at the centre of it all are two parents, their family and friends just wanting answers. And, of course, members of the public, too, and I saw quite a few questions being asked around this. I don’t have all the answers but I do know what information is publicly out there so can at least tell you what we don’t know.

The key place to look is the RCMP statement because pretty much every followup question to the police came back with the same answers. This is... pretty normal. The people speaking to the media are rarely the ones who are actually investigating the case, and so outside of the information they have to craft the press release they don’t say much else. This is a very Canadian way of doing media as opposed to, say, the U.S. where you’ll have active investigators answering questions with the knowledge that goes along with it and idk why we can’t have that but that’s for another time. Here's the statement in full, with the very bland title of “Update in the ongoing Madison Scott investigation”:

RCMP can confirm that there has been a significant investigational development into the disappearance of Madison (Maddy) Scott.

Maddy was reported missing on May 29, 2011 and was last seen at approximately 3:00 a.m. on May 28, 2011, while at Hogsback Lake, celebrating a friend’s birthday.

The investigation has been led by BC RCMP Major Crime in support of Vanderhoof RCMP.

Police are currently executing a search warrant at a rural property on the east side of Vanderhoof. The area has been secured and additional resources are anticipated to be on scene for as long as may be required.

We can confirm that the property is associated to the discovery of Maddy who has been positively identified by BC Coroner's Service. The Scott family has been advised and they have asked for privacy at this time. Many areas of support remain in place for the family.

This has been a priority investigation for the RCMP over the past 12 years. The discovery of Maddy is a significant development, however this investigation remains an active and ongoing missing person's investigation where foul play has not been ruled out said Cpl Madonna Saunderson BC RCMP Communications.

No charges have been laid. Anyone with any information is asked to call Tipline (778) 290-5291 or (877) 543-4822.

So, here are the questions I thought of, other journalists thought of, and which I have seen being asked and their (lack of) answers:

1. What was found?

The RCMP don’t actually come out and say it but remains of some form. You can tell because of this line: “The discovery of Maddy who has been positively identified by BC Coroner's Service.” The coroner isn’t involved without someone being deceased, and they don’t say who it is unless they have some means of identifying it. Beyond that— the information about the nature of those remains is not public.

2. Where were they found?

Again, unknown. In both this release and in answer to requests for clarification, police would only say that the rural property being searched is in connection to the remains but they would neither confirm nor deny whether the remains were found there.

3. When?

Again, unknown but it was sometime before Monday. RCMP told CBC that it was “days ago” but wouldn’t expand beyond that. Family and some local officials had been briefed prior to this information being released publicly and through my own grapevine it seems word had gotten out around the community prior to the public release, as well. But exact date — nope.

We also have no idea what led to the discovery — was it a tip? New evidence? — This is another thing police either can’t or won’t disclose.

4. Where is this property?

So this is one of those things where it seems like a lot of people know the answer without it being publicly disclosed. I’ve heard from people in the area that it’s not exactly a secret location but I’ve also not got it confirmed myself — nor do I have an interest in interfering with an active investigation without good reason — so I’ll just go with I’m not exactly sure but I’m pretty confident we’ll all find out in short order.

5. Police say foul play has not been ruled out — what does that mean?

Again, I’m not sure it means much except at this point they aren’t prepared to say how or why Scott went missing and/or how she died. Foul play not being ruled out doesn’t mean it is foul play but of course we’ve been told for years foul play is suspected. So at this point it’s still something police are considering as a possible reason but again, nothing definitive for the public at this point.

I recognize that pretty much none of these are actually answers but I think people sometimes think media either hasn’t thought to ask or simply isn’t reporting information and it’s worth being transparent that no, most of this stuff is simply unknown at this point. Police know more, obviously, but at this point they either can’t or don’t want to disclose it, or possibly simply don’t think it’s much of a priority. Again, this is super par for the course when it comes to RCMP communications. I’m not saying it’s great, I’m not saying it’s awful but it really is normal to be given a statement and then no followup information no matter how many outstanding questions there are as a result. Do with that what you will.

---

---

Quick news:

• In a more positive development, a missing woman was found safe.

• “Who will the big CN Centre concert announcement be?” someone asked me. “Probably a rock band from 20 years ago.” Well, joke’s on them because it’s Billy Talent which are… oh, a rock band from 20 years ago.

• B.C. Bus North is being extended to 2027.

• Prince George seniors to benefit from new mental health, addictions funding.

• A violent offender who was in possession of a loaded firearm has been arrested by the Prince George RCMP.

• The David Douglas Botanical Garden Society is working on the next phase of its expansion of the existing Sub-Boreal Forest garden at UNBC.

• City council is Wednesday this week, and they’ll be hearing about bike lanes. Here’s some pre-discussion. Here’s the full agenda.

• Meet the artist of the new mural at CNC.

• This week in history: The hospital was built.

• Here’s a crow wearing an iced coffee lid (he’s ok, but don’t litter!)

  

  ---

  Northern Capital News is a free, daily newsletter about life in Prince George. Please consider subscribing or, if you have, sharing with someone else.

  Send feedback by replying to this email. Find me online at akurjata.ca.