Kelowna

Thirteen years have gone by and yet, Jean and Terry Cusworth manage to put on brave faces as they appear one more time in front of reporters.

The Cusworth's lost their 19-year-old daughter Jennifer to a killer in 1993. The OUC student's body was found in a ditch off Swamp Road in Kelowna. Her killer has yet to be found.

On Monday, the Cusworth's gave another news conference -- as they do every year hoping to spark a tip that might crack the case.

"After we put the story back out in the media we always get new tips," says Jean who is adamant that Jennifer's killer will be found.

"It's only a matter of time."

The Cusworth's might have something new to add to the case next month when the findings of an independent investigator are released. Retired Victoria cop, John Farrell, has been examining the Cusworth murder for nearly a year.

"As John is going through the files, he'll phone Kelowna RCMP and point out certain things that are not sitting well with him. It's ongoing and we're really pleased with how he's doing it."

And Kelowna RCMP are doing their part. Lead investigator, Constable Bill Parmar, says more than 200 DNA samples have been examined since Jennifer was killed. He says someone is holding onto information about Jennifer's death.

"I want those people to look themselves in the mirror and to remember the faces of Terry and Jean. If they have information, I want them to come forward. If it was an accident, then come forward and we can deal with it."

The Cusworths believe Jennifer's killer still lives in the community. Jean says it's someone Jennifer knew.

"I truly believe it was someone who she knew, not a friend but an acquaintance that she felt comfortable with."

Jean says Jennifer's killer is ashamed at what happened, but fears a life in prison.

"He's appalled and he never wants it to happen again, but he doesn't want to go to jail."

Anyone with information about the Jennifer Cusworth's murder is asked to contact Constable Bill Parmar 470-6326.

Interview with Terry and Jean Cusworth. Includes photos of Jennifer.

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