Canada-Shanna Poissant 16, Hemmingford Que

[fourboys]

Search for missing Quebec teen continues

Last Updated Thu, 21 Jul 2005
CBC News

The search will continue in Quebec on Thursday for a 16-year-old girl who has been missing since July 11.

Shanna Poissant, who lives in Hemmingford, Que., near the U.S. border, hasn't been seen since that day, when she left her house to meet some friends.

On Wednesday, about 20 police searchers on the ground were helped by a helicopter overhead. The provincial police canine unit has also been brought in to help.

Just this week, police got new information suggesting investigators would find evidence north of the town, near an abandoned rail line that has been turned into a bike path.

Investigators won't say who gave them the tip, or what they expect to find.

But they are saying they've been told precisely where to look.

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/20...een-050721.html (http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/07/21/Missing-teen-050721.html)

[fourboys]

Police suspect foul play as Hemmingford teen still missing

Last updated Jul 21 2005
CBC News

Quebec provincial police say foul play is suspected in the disappearance of a teenager in Hemmingford, about 50 km south of Montreal. Shanna Poissant, 16, was last seen July 11.

She left her home to meet with friends, and hasn't been seen since.

Sûreté du Québec officers, accompanied by sniffer dogs and a helicopter, are searching a two-kilometre area near Hemmingford. They say they have dismissed the idea that the girl was a runaway.

Shanna's cousin, Luc Poissant, says her family is on edge.

"They don't know where she is," he said. "They want to find out where she is. We'll have to be patient, and let the time go by. I think that's the best we can do so far. I hope she'll be okay. Everybody hopes she'll be fine.

"After 10 days, it's hard to believe … I hope she'll be fine."

Police received information earlier this week that indicated investigators would find evidence of Poissant's whereabouts near an abandoned rail line that has been converted to a bike trail just north of the border town, according to SQ spokesperson Corp. François Doré.

Police used a helicopter and dogs to help in their search Wednesday afternoon and again Thursday.

Although Doré won't say who gave police the tip or what they expect to find, investigators have been told precisely where to look.

Doré says they hope to find Poissant alive, but are braced for whatever they come across.

"It's hard to describe how confident we can be. Elements we gathered duirng the investigation lead us to believe she might be here. Is it true or not? We have to make these searches in a very complete manner. But how confident are we? Very hard to say," Doré said.

About 20 officers are involved in the search, as well as the canine unit, Doré says.

http://ottawa.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/View...oissant20050721 (http://ottawa.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/View?filename=ot-poissant20050721)

[fourboys]

Mother pleads for missing girl
'Please call me'; Family feels they're being kept in the dark by Surete Quebec

PAUL CHERRY
The Gazette
July 22, 2005

Police continued to comb the edges of a bicycle path in a rural area near the U.S. border yesterday as the family of a missing 16-year-old girl waited for what might be grim news

Tammy Geraw, the mother of the missing teen, Shanna Poissant, made a tearful plea last evening for her return.

"I just want my daughter back; I want her to be found alive," she said. "Shanna, if you're out there, please call me and let me know where you are."

Geraw urged anybody with information to contact police.

"I miss her and I love her."

Shortly after 6 p.m, Surete du Quebec officers searched a house on Highway 219 outside Hemmingford. SQ spokesperson Manon Gaignard would not comment on what officers discovered during the search.

Shanna was last seen July 11, when she left home on foot late in the afternoon to meet friends.

Her habit was to meet up with a large group of teens behind the post office in Hemmingford. Residents say the parking lot is a regular meeting place for teens.

Surete du Quebec investigators were focusing their search on a bicycle path several kilometres north of Hemmingford after receiving information that Poissant's body might be found there.

The teen grew up on the U.S. side of the border, in the town of Mooers, N.Y. Her grandmother, Theresa Geraw, said Shanna moved to Hemmingford two years ago with her mother and was having difficulty getting into a school here because she is a U.S. citizen.

Tears welled in Geraw's eyes as she talked about the last time she saw her granddaughter. She said Shanna often looked after her younger brother while her mother worked during the day on the U.S. side of the border.

"It's pretty bad. I can't even go into work. ... There's something not right in not seeing her walking to the village these days."

Fighting tears, she said she has been told little about the SQ investigation, except for one thing: "I believe they are looking for her corpse."

Gilles Duteau, who is married to Shanna's grandmother, said the past few days have been especially difficult as the police investigation is leading family to believe she may be dead.

"This is very difficult for her parents. They don't know anything and not knowing is the hardest thing," Duteau said.

SQ spokesperson Corporal Francois Dore said little has changed since the search began.

http://www.canada.com/montreal/montrealgaz...45-d2b732519ce7 (http://www.canada.com/montreal/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=daa2fcbb-4708-400a-bf45-d2b732519ce7)

[KrazyKollector]

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Shanna. Fourboys, please keep us updated as news develops. I have a sinking feeling this is going to end badly for her family, but perhaps a miracle will be given. I hope they get that area searched soon, before anyone has time to "fix" anything. I wonder just who the tipster was in this case? The killer? His/her friends? Boyfriend?

[Sam]

http://www.940news.com/locale.php?news=1370

SQ re-focus Poissant search
2005-07-22 17:05:57

Surete du Quebec investigators looking for Shanna Poissant have moved into Hemmingford. They have concluded a search of an area near a bike path and have completed their search of a home. SQ Sargeant Francois Dore says he can't comment on the reason for their interest in the home. The missing 16 year old's family members have complained they are being kept in the dark by SQ investigators. Dore says they are in contact with the family on a daily basis.

[fourboys]

Quebec police continue search for missing teen

CTV.ca News Staff
Sat. Jul. 23 2005

Quebec police are not ruling out foul play in the disappearance of a 16-year-old girl, days after her mother made a tearful plea for her return.

Shanna Poissant is missing from the community of Hemmingford, about 50 kilometres south of Montreal near the U.S. border. She was last seen July 11 when she left home on foot to meet friends.

"Very soon during the investigation, we changed the conclusion that she is not a runaway," Sûreté du Québec spokesperson Sgt. François Doré told CTV.ca.

When asked if police believe foul play was involving in her disappearance, Doré said: "It is possible."

While police have said "elements" gathered during their investigation lead them to believe she did not run away, they would not elaborate.

"The investigation is still ongoing. We have investigators on the field in Hemmingford and besides that, we had canine units that searched an apple orchard (Saturday) morning," Doré said.

"We have found nothing yet, so Shanna Poissant is still missing 12 days after she disappeared."

Earlier this week, her mother made an emotional appeal for her return.

"I just want my daughter back; I want her to be found alive," Tammy Geraw said.

"Shanna, if you're out there, please call me and let me know where you are."

According to reports, the teen grew up in Mooers, N.Y. and moved to Hemmingford two years ago with her mother.

Poissant's grandmother Theresa Geraw told the Montreal Gazette that she has been told little about the investigation.

However, she indicated that she feared the worst.

"I believe they are looking for her corpse," Geraw said.

Gilles Duteau, who is married to the teen's grandmother, told the newspaper that recent days have been difficult for the family as police are leading them to believe she may be dead.

"This is very difficult for her parents. They don't know anything and not knowing is the hardest thing," Duteau said.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/stor...?hub=TopStories (http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1122144945971_35/?hub=TopStories)

[linnafay]

Hmmm interesting, isnt that near where Karla Homolka moved to when she got out of jail?

A missing teen....Karla Homolka..... interesting!!!

[concernedperson]

Hmmm interesting, isnt that near where Karla Homolka moved to when she got out of jail?

A missing teen....Karla Homolka..... interesting!!!

Not already!!!!

Please pray for this family. It just doesn't sound good.

[linnafay]

I hope and pray this girl is just a runaway, but I have my doubts. After living many years in Southern Ontario...nothing would be suprising to me

[Jovin]

I hope and pray this girl is just a runaway, but I have my doubts. After living many years in Southern Ontario...nothing would be suprising to me

BITE YOUR TONGUE! I've lived here all my life, and trust me, I think we're doing fine, as far as a low crime rate is concerned...just fine!

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/26/26_7_6.gif http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v676/Jovin43/jovin_afrocat.gif

[linnafay]

BITE YOUR TONGUE! I've lived here all my life, and trust me, I think we're doing fine, as far as a low crime rate is concerned...just fine!

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/26/26_7_6.gif http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v676/Jovin43/jovin_afrocat.gif


what I meant was the only time teenage girls seemed to go missing in niagara falls was when a certain someone lived nearby. Well...now in Quebec...another teen goes missing....anything sound familiar to you?

[Jovin]

what I meant was the only time teenage girls seemed to go missing in niagara falls was when a certain someone lived nearby. Well...now in Quebec...another teen goes missing....anything sound familiar to you?

and actually it wasn't Niagara Falls, it was St. Catharines that they went missing from and Burlington, but I know what you mean.

I think it's kind of a little much to think that she might be connected to that disappearance in Quebec though. I just hope she never shows her disgusting face back near me.

I visit Kristin's grave alot. It's not far from me at all...it's so very sad. They buried her down here in the Falls...probably to keep curiosity seekers away. I only found it because I visit cemeteries alot, and saw it....I never read anything about it being noted anywhere in the press.

They have a nice bench there for you to sit and pray for her. I often see notes from friends, and feel so bad for her and Leslie...what a terrible thing to have happen to anyone. May Paul and Karla answer to the Good Lord above someday for what they did!

[Casshew]

Jovin, did you notice more flowers/notes left since Karla was released? it may prompt more people to visit.

Kristen was such a beautiful girl full of promise and from such a loving family. :(

[Jovin]

Jovin, did you notice more flowers/notes left since Karla was released? it may prompt more people to visit.

Kristen was such a beautiful girl full of promise and from such a loving family. :(

I haven't been by it lately because of this terrible heat....my old car doesn't have air conditioning and I've been limiting my driving as much as I can, but I do plan on going by soon, and I'll let you know.

I don't think alot of people (public) know where she's buried, but I could be wrong. It's a really strange location, I thought.

[Casshew]

The heat has been horrendous... thanks for the info on Kristen's resting place.

I hope this girl in PQ is found soon :(

[Jovin]

The heat has been horrendous... thanks for the info on Kristen's resting place...

You know, I know it was better out today, but I never had my head out the door. I just have had so much of it and have been out driving too much in it the last couple of weeks.

In order for me to drive up to the cemetery where she is, I have to cross the Welland Canal (lift bridge) and I don't fancy sitting waiting for a couple of boats to hold me up. Of course I could take another roundabout route, but I like that drive better.

I'll be going up soon though..it's not far away at all, just a direction I don't have to go in that often anymore.

Yes, I sure hope they do find that girl in Quebec. There's too many missing children in this world now.

[fourboys]

Rumours abound as search for Poissant called off

Last updated Jul 25 2005
CBC News

The Sûreté du Québec has called off its search for 16-year-old Shanna Poissant.

The Hemmingford teenager has been missing since July 11. Investigators say they need time to re-evaluate the situation.

FROM JULY 22, 2005: Police change focus in search for teen

The SQ is being tight-lipped about where its investigation stands.

Police had searched an area around a bike path and had even executed a search warrant on an area home in the Hemmingford Township. But now, investigators are calling off the intensive search for Poissant, SQ spokesperson François Doré says.

The search will continue once investigators have regrouped, he says.

The SQ's decision doesn't come as a surprise to Hemmingford Mayor Drew Somerville.

"They must have exhausted any leads they did have. I'm sure most of the leads they did have were hearsay. And it's a big area to be combing," Somerville says.

Rumours

Somerville says the investigation into Poissant's disappearance has been frustrating for Hemmingford residents.

The SQ has shared much information, which Somerville says has fuelled the rumour mill.

"There are so many stories flying around. Whether she's still in this area, or she may have left the area. We as a community, are ready to be directed by [police] to search wherever they want us to search, and do a thorough search," Somerville says.

Somerville says some residents have searched for Poissant on their own time, in an effort to try to solve the mystery of her disappearance.

http://montreal.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/Vi...oissant20050725 (http://montreal.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/View?filename=qc-poissant20050725)

[fourboys]

3 arrests in Poissant case

Last updated Jul 26 2005
CBC News

The Sûreté du Québec has made three arrests in the case of missing 16-year-old Shanna Poissant.

The SQ's major crimes investigators made the arrests Tuesday morning. The three suspects are residents of Hemmingford:
A 23-year-old man.
A 61-year-old man.
A 52-year-old woman.

Two of the arrests were made in Hemmingford, the third in Montreal. All three are being held at the SQ headquarters in downtown Montreal, and are being questioned.

Police are not saying whether any charges will be laid, or what those charges could be. A Crown prosecutor is expected to make that decision Tuesday afternoon.

The suspects are expected to appear in a Valleyfield court to face any eventual charges.

Renewed search

The arrests have sparked a renewed search for Poissant. Investigators are returning to a field north of Hemmingford, at the junction of highway 219 and 205.

Police say they still have hope she may be alive, but aren't ruling out the possibility that she has been killed.

The Hemmingford teenager has been missing since July 11.

Before calling off their search Monday, police had searched an area around a bike path and had even executed a search warrant on an area home in the Hemmingford Township.

http://montreal.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/View?filename=qc-arrests20050726

[fourboys]

Police find body after arresting three people in case of missing Quebec teen

July 26, 2005

HEMMINGFORD, Que. (CP) - Police found a body Tuesday just a few hours after they arrested three people in the disappearance of a 16-year-old girl who was last seen July 11.

"My understanding is that the body was found under several inches of earth," said Quebec provincial police spokesman Francois Dore.

Police could not confirm the body was that of Shanna Poissant, who has not been seen for more than two weeks.

The body was found off a bike path near Hemmingford, about 50 kilometres south of Montreal near the Canadian-U.S. border.

Earlier, a 61-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman were detained in Hemmingford, while a 23-year-old man was arrested in Montreal.

The three were scheduled to be arraigned in court later on Tuesday.

Police called off the search for Poissant on Monday before resuming it Tuesday.

http://www.macleans.ca/topstories/news/sho...ontent=n072617A (http://www.macleans.ca/topstories/news/shownews.jsp?content=n072617A)

[linnafay]

another sad ending....

[Kat]

Ex-wrestler pleads guilty in death of teen girl
Reduced charge; Shanna Poissant's body found year ago

Published: Thursday, July 27 2006

Snipped from article:

Lauder's guilty plea came on the one-year anniversary of the day he told Surete du Quebec investigators where they could find Shanna's body. He had buried her in a shallow grave in a wooded area near a bicycle path north of Hemmingford after smashing her skull with a heavy, blunt object.

What followed was a series of attempts by Lauder, his now-deceased father, Ian, and another person, to cover up the crime.

Ian Lauder died in February while still charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder. He suffered from severe heart and lung ailments.

Lauder's mother, Suzanne Grosser Lauder, has a case pending on the same charge.




link: for above ~ http://www2.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=d614b47f-0ea1-4654-a36a-338232bf5343&k=32443

___________

Killer's mother sentenced to 5 months in jail for coverup
Published: Saturday, June 23 2007

A woman who helped her adult son try to cover up his murder of Hemmingford teenager Shanna Poissant was sentenced yesterday to five months in prison.

Link to above article about Mother of Convicted Man: http://www2.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=10f4d70e-9478-411f-bedc-343da6a333f9