Vancouver’s VanDusen Gardens police presence connected to Chelsea Poorman’s death
Posted June 4, 2022 11:36 am.
Last Updated June 4, 2022 11:02 pm.
Vancouver police have confirmed the presence of its officers in a well-known park Saturday morning is connected to the death of Chelsea Poorman.
Police were seen inside the VanDusen Botanical Gardens area along Oak Street as of 11 a.m.
Police confirm their presence is connected to the ongoing investigation into Chelsea Poorman’s disappearance and death in the city. (CityNews/Claire Fenton)
“We are conducting an ongoing investigation into the disappearance and death of Chelsea Poorman. We have shared details about today’s efforts with Chelsea’s family,” Sgt. Steve Addison told CityNews.
Chelsea Poorman was last seen in Downtown Vancouver on Sept. 7, 2020. (Photo courtesy: Sheila Poorman)
Vancouver police are providing few other details but are appealing to the public for information about Poorman’s disappearance to come forward and speak with officers with the VPD Major Crime Section at 604-717-2500.
Poorman’s body was found in April on the back patio of an unoccupied home near Granville Street and West 36 Avenue in the Shaughnessy neighbourhood. The 24-year-old had been reported missing in September 2020.
Vancouver police had said that due to the state of her remains it would be impossible to know for sure how she died.
Read more: ‘A lot of unanswered questions’: Tragic end to search for Chelsea Poorman in Vancouver
“Her death is not suspicious,” police said in a statement on May 6.
The department responded to criticism over the handling of the case after her family and advocates said they were left with more questions than answers.
Const. Tania Visintin said both the VPD’s Missing Persons Unit and Major Crime Section were involved in the case and added “there is insufficient evidence right now to suggest her death was the result of a crime.”
Read more: ‘The case is not closed’: Vancouver police defend Chelsea Poorman investigation
“We know this news is unlikely to satisfy family, friends, and community members who knew Chelsea, loved her, and believe her death must have been the result of foul play. The case is not closed,” said Visintin.
