Missing Rancher Case May Involve Criminality, RCMP Says
The disappearance of a young rancher in British Columbia may involve criminal activity, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Ben Tyner, 32, formerly from Wyoming, was employed as the manager at the Nicola Ranch when he went missing January 26, 2019, in a remote area northeast of Vancouver. A hunter found his horse wandering alone in the bush in full tack two days later.
Sergeant Janelle Shoihet, RCMP, said recent information obtained by the by the southeast district major crime unit “reinvigorates” the investigation. Until this week, Shoihet said there was no indication of foul play, but would not reveal details.
“Now having had the opportunity to review all the pieces, we believe that the circumstances surrounding Mr. Tyner’s disappearance may involve criminality,” Shoihet said.
RCMP has asked people who may have information but haven’t spoken to police to come forward.
“That one missing piece might be something you think is insignificant, but could really be the turnkey piece of information for an investigation like this,” Shoihet told The Canadian Press.
An extensive search following the disappearance included RCMP and volunteers on foot and horseback, as well as in helicopters, vehicles and snowmobiles, found no trace of Tyner.
Before they left for their home in Wyoming in mid-February, Tyner’s family renewed their plea for any tips that might help the police investigation into his disappearance.
“Our hearts are shattered and our lives have been thrown into turmoil,” Tyner’s mother Jennifer told a news conference at the time. “To think that I will never again see his smile, or hear his infectious laugh, never see him realize his dreams, never have him wrap his arms around me again, is unthinkable.”
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