BC

The family of Gale Weys made a public appeal during a media conference in Kamloops Wednesday.

Photo: Jennifer Zielinski - Castanet

Members of the Weys family make a public appeal during a press gathering in Kamloops

Weys, 19 at the time, was last seen hitchhiking from Clearwater in October of 1973.

She was found murdered six months later.

RCMP investigating Weys' murder and the murder or disappearance of 17 other women in central and northern BC announced Tuesday Bobby Jack Fowler was responsible for one murder and perhaps others.

Fowler died in prison in the US six years ago while serving a lengthy sentence for kidnapping, assault and attempted rape.

He was a person of interest in four other homicides in Oregon.

RCMP consider him a 'strong suspect' in the murder of Weys and Pamela Darlington who was murdered in November of 1973.

Police know Fowler was in BC during portions of the 1970's but have not been able to put together a complete timeline of his movements.

They are asking for the public's assistance, something the family of Gale Weys picked up on Wednesday.

"As a family we truly never thought this open wound would be resolved in any way - we had given up hope. We are grateful for the ongoing work by the police over the years on Gale's behalf and this new development that offers some answers and relief. Unfortunately, as the police have stated this compelling evidence is not definitive proof. To that end we, Gale's family, are asking people to think back to that time in the early 70's."

"If you have any memories of this man Fowler or any recollections of these events please contact the police tip line or Crime Stoppers. Perhaps you found her clothing and didn't understand what you had found - perhaps you met or worked with this man. Perhaps he assaulted you in some way, made you feel uncomfortable or maybe he was involved in a bar fight."

"Anything could be hugely helpful, even if you are not 100 per cent certain it's truly related or you think it's just trivial. If fear has kept you silent Fowler can no longer hurt you in any way so please come forward."

"For our family and other families that are going through the loss of a loved one there is still that uncertainty of not knowing - questions and emotions left hanging. If you can help in any way please do so for Gale and all the other women."