RCMP have revealed the worst-case scenario that many had already suspected regarding the disappearance case of Amber Manthorne.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Port Alberni RCMP confirmed that foul play was involved in the disappearance of Amber, who has been missing for two years.
Port Alberni RCMP confirmed what many had feared: she is “not likely to be found alive.”
Amber was last seen on July 6th, 2022. However, the investigation revealed she was still alive on July 7th.
She was reported missing to the Port Alberni RCMP on July 8th, 2022. Her Jeep, a white 2021 Jeep Compass, was located south of Nanaimo in Cassidy, parked off a street and hidden in a forested area.
Prior to her disappearance, Amber had told a friend she planned to meet her ex-boyfriend, Justin Hall, who police said is a suspect in her case.
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At that time, her family and friends shared on social media that her last known GPS location was in the Cameron Lake area. They described the situation as “serious” and expressed concern that she was with Hall.
A close friend mentioned that Amber and Justin had recently broken up. Concern grew when Amber failed to show up for work, prompting her friends to take action.
During the media conference today, RCMP announced that Hall is considered a person of interest in her disappearance. Unfortunately, he was found deceased in Merritt, BC, last year, which has limited the investigation’s progress—those close to Justin say he took his own life.
The investigation has established key movements of Amber’s vehicle around the time of her disappearance. For the first time, the RCMP released a timeline of events in the hope that it would help advance the case:
- July 7th, 2022, at 3:27 p.m.: Amber is seen alone on CCTV at Buy Low Foods in Port Alberni, purchasing grocery items before departing in her vehicle
- July 7th, 2022, at 3:35 p.m.: A white SUV consistent with Amber’s is seen driving west on Pacific Rim Highway near Tseshaht Market. She arrives at her residence around this time
- July 8th, 2022, at 12:22 a.m.: Justin Hall calls United Cabs from the Petro Canada on River Road. A cab is observed on CCTV near Tseshaht Market, travelling west, 22 minutes later
- July 8th, 2022, at 4:17 a.m.: A white SUV, matching Amber’s, is captured on CCTV driving east on Pacific Rim Highway towards Port Alberni
- July 8th, 2022, at 4:50 a.m.: Amber’s vehicle enters the Husky fuel station on 3rd Ave, Port Alberni. Hall exits the driver’s seat, enters the store to pay for fuel, and attempts to place a suitcase from the backseat into the hatchback, but it won’t fit and is returned to the back seat. A tote can be seen in the hatchback; both the suitcase and tote have never been recovered
- July 8th, 2022, at 7:02 a.m.: Amber’s vehicle is observed on CCTV at McDonald’s Restaurant on Johnston Road, where Hall makes a purchase
- July 8th, 2022, at 8 a.m.: Amber fails to show up for work
- July 8th, 2022, at 9:22 a.m.: Hall makes a purchase at Walmart in Nanaimo
- July 8th, 2022, at 10:26 a.m.: Amber’s vehicle is captured on CCTV at the BC Ferries terminal at Duke Point. Hall, the sole occupant, purchases a ferry ticket and waits in line
- July 8th, 2022, at 11:03 a.m.: Amber’s vehicle is seen leaving the BC Ferries terminal with Hall driving
- July 9th, 2022, at 3:08 p.m.: Ladysmith RCMP respond to a report and locate Amber’s vehicle abandoned at McGillivray Way and Creekwood Place
Additionally, Amber’s cell phone had a case that could carry credit cards on its outer shell. As this cell phone has yet to be recovered, police are interested in anyone who may have found a phone matching this description between July 8th, 2022, and now.
“The investigation has remained active from the onset, with evolving details that investigators need to assess, manage, and explore,” stated Constable Beth O’Connor, spokesperson for the Port Alberni RCMP. “We will continue searching until she’s found, but we need your help to bring Amber home to her family.”
“Please help us find Amber and bring her home,” added Amber’s mother, Lorraine Murray.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Amber Manthorne or anyone who may know what happened to her is urged to report to their local police. Alternatively, you can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
