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Remains of Deanna Wertz found by Vernon RCMP after 10 years
Police said criminality is not suspected after remains found by civilian dog trainers were identified as Deanna Wertz, missing for 10 years.
On Sunday, Sept. 13, the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP confirmed human remains found off Yankee Flats Road in Salmon Arm were positively identified as Deanna Mildred Wertz, closing a decade-long missing-person case.
Civilian dog trainers working in the area made the discovery at 12:30 p.m., concluding a search that began when Wertz was reported missing on July 22, 2016.
The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP stated that criminality is not suspected in the death, effectively closing an investigation that remained active for more than 10 years.
Const. Chris Terleski, media relations officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, extended condolences to the family, expressing hope that locating Wertz brings closure.
Out of respect for the family, authorities announced no additional details regarding the case will be released, preventing public speculation following the identification.