VicPD search for Emma Fillipoff still ongoing after going missing 13 years ago

November 18th marks the 13th anniversary of one of VicPD’s most difficult missing persons cases. 

In 2012, 26-year-old Fillipoff was last seen outside the Empress Hotel on Government Street. 

VicPD’s Historical Case Review Unit now has control over the case, as it has been so long since she went missing. 

Though it has been 13 years, VicPD say the case will continue to be investigated. 

Back on the night she went missing, officers reportedly checked on Fillipoff at around 7 p.m. that evening, and determined she was safe at that time, although she was barefoot and in distress.  

Her van was later found in a nearby hotel parking lot, and contained most of her belongings, including her passport, laptop, journals, camera and recently borrowed library books. 

She has not been seen since. 

“At the time of her disappearance, Emma appeared to be suffering from the onset of some mental health issues,” said VicPD in a media release. 

Shelley Fillipoff, Emma’s mom, told police that this 13th anniversary of her daughter’s disappearance feels like a painful reminder of the years that have passed. 

She says that each anniversary brings renewed grief, with little hope. 

“As time wore on, keeping that hope alive became more difficult,” said Shelley. 

Though it may be less than it once was, Shelley told VicPD she still holds onto some hope, and finds strength in her three other children who help keep her grounded. 

On this 13th anniversary, new photos have been shared of Fillipoff, as her mother noted how much she once adored the holidays.  

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“She always took charge of decorating the tree with me and her youngest brother, Alexander,” said Shelley.  

A new docuseries detailing Fillipoff’s disappearance will launch on Emma’s 40th birthday, January 6th. 

This six-part series, called Barefoot in the Night, aims to renew public awareness of Fillipoff and hopefully prompt new leads in the case.