Kamloops RCMP, like other RCMP detachments in this province, regularly review missing/historical missing persons files as new technology and investigative techniques are developed.
A review of this 53 year old case has prompted investigators to see if they can take this case further with today’s investigative techniques.
On July 3, 1960, police received a report of a lost child in the Red Lake area, 45 miles Northwest of Kamloops. 21-month-old Edna Bette-Jean Masters was never found and no evidence of what happened to her was located.
Known to the family as Bette-Jean, she was last seen playing with family and friends at a friend’s residence.
At the time of her disappearance, Bette-Jean was wearing a green bonnet with white frill, an undershirt, pink short sleeve t-shirt, faded pink overalls, white socks and sandals. She was weighing about 24 pounds, blonde fine curly hair, blue eyes, and fair complexion. Of interest, she had a small oval shaped burn scar on her left arm between her elbow and shoulder.
In 1960, the area was searched extensively by volunteers, police, airplane and police dog.
The search included the yard, surrounding forests, ponds and roadways. Numerous tips were generated, however, nothing has been found that would determine or suggest what happened to Bette-Jean.
The RCMP have also attempted to identify and wished to speak to the male and female who were seen in the area in a rust colored 1959 Chevrolet Car with “cat eye” or “bat wing” style tail lights and with Alberta plates. The couple is described as being in their late twenties.
There are a number of scenarios that could be imagined, but the family of the missing girl, who would now be 55 years old, is still looking for answers and closure.
Cpl. Cheryl Bush says that “missing person files, or any other cases, are never closed until they are solved. We strive to find answers and bring closure to the families of missing loved ones. With the advent of new technology such as DNA, internet, social media and photo age enhancement, police are looking at further follow up.”
Investigators are hoping that by bringing this file out into the light, someone may recall some information that can assist investigators and provide some answers to Bette-Jean’s family.
Anyone with information about this case, no matter how seemingly insignificant is asked to call Kamloops Rural RCMP at (250) 314-1800.
