Investigators believe foul play is involved and Jemal may be the victim of homicide

THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) on Wednesday requested public assistance to further its investigation into missing person Jemal Reta.   

Jemal, 21, left his friend’s residence in the 1900-block of Edinburgh Street in New Westminster on December 9, 2019, at 7:20 p.m. He was captured on video surveillance footage getting into a minivan. This was the last time Jemal was seen. He was wearing a black Hugo Boss hoodie, dark pants with a white belt. When he did not return home that night, Jemal’s family reported him missing to police.

IHIT has been leading the investigation and pursuing various leads for the past year, however, Jemal’s whereabouts still remains a mystery. Investigators believe foul play is involved and Jemal may be the victim of homicide.

Jemal’s family is appealing for the public’s help for information about his disappearance.

Jemal’s father, Melaku Reta, said in a statement:

“Hello, my name is Melaku Reta and I want to tell you a little bit about my family. We immigrated from Sudan in 2005; I wanted a better life for my family in Canada. I am a husband and a father of two sons, one of my son’s name is Jemal. In December 2019, Jemal went missing. I don’t know where he is and we have looked everywhere for him. I love my son. I miss my son. He will be turning 23 next week. In his room, we have all of Jemal’s trophies from track and field. Over many years, he won 120 medals and 5 trophies. Jemal loved sports. Jemal’s mother and brother think of him everyday. Anyone that knows where Jemal is needs to help us, please report any information to police so we can find him. Jemal please come home, I love you. Please let us know where you are.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448), or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).