BC

On March 16, 2013 Mission RCMP received a missing person investigation.  The missing female, identified as Rachel Pernosky, was reported missing by her family who knew her last known whereabouts to be her residence in the 7700 block of Kite Street in Mission.

Miss Pernosky was an avid user of social media and all communications abruptly stopped on March 16.  Her purse remained within her residence as did her cell phone.

Due to the suspicious nature of this investigation the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team became engaged with the Mission RCMP on March 18, 2013.

On March 19, 2013 the Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment (UFVRD) received a call from an individual in the area of the 43400 block of Old Orchard Road in Chilliwack.  This individual reported seeing a body down a steep embankment off that road. The UFVRD and Mission RCMP attended along with IHIT and the body was confirmed to be Rachel Pernosky.

Due to evidence retrieved thus far it is clear that Rachel was the victim of a homicide.  IHIT continues to hold the scene today for evidence processing and area canvassing.

Due to the steep terrain her body had to be removed by Search and Rescue.  An autopsy will be conducted to confirm her cause of death.

Rachel’s family have been notified of this tragic outcome and are attempting to deal with the loss of her as best as they can in these initial stages.

“Rachel was just 18 years old and a mother of a baby when her life was brutally taken from her.  The person(s) who murdered her have left a hole in the lives of those who loved her and child who will be without his Mom, “says Sgt. Jennifer Pound.

We are asking anyone with information about her homicide to call the IHITtipline at 778-290-5290 or, if you wish to remain anonymous please call CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Photo: Contributed - CBC

Friends and family continue to search for 18-year-old Rachel Pernosky, who went missing near her Mission, BC home this weekend. (Facebook)

The body of Rachel Pernosky was located yesterday and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team is now investigating.

Friends and family were searching for the 18-year-old mom since she went missing from her Mission home this weekend.

Pernosky's family says she had no history of running away. They also say she was a frequent social media user, but her accounts had been quiet since she was last seen just after midnight on Saturday.

Police found her phone at home and Pernosky missed her scheduled visit with her one-year-old son.

Nearly 2,000 people joined a "Find Rachel Pernosky" Facebook page in an effort to co-ordinate search efforts. Now the page is fill with notes of condolences to the family.

More to come.