Marshal Iwaasa has been missing since November, 2019 (Photo courtesy the Lethbridge Police Service)

By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge Police to keep Marshal Iwaasa case open

Jul 15, 2020 | 9:49 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Police Service recently wrapped up a search of the area where Marshal Iwaasa’s burned out truck was found in B.C.

The southern Alberta man has been missing since November of last year. The LPS conducted an ‘exhaustive search’ of the mountainous terrain late last month.

Unfortunately, Iwaasa was not located during the search.

Iwaasa was 26 years old when he was reported missing and was last seen by family in Lethbridge on November 17, 2019. LPS says he told his family he was going to Calgary, but he hasn’t been seen or heard from since, and was reported missing on November 25.

“Iwaasa’s disappearance is considered suspicious, however there is no credible, corroborated or compelling information at this time to suggest foul play or that the matter is criminal in nature,” Lethbridge Police stated in a release.

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“Throughout the investigation officers have continued to monitor Iwaasa’s personal affairs including potential personal contacts as well as social media, phone, medical and financial activity. Since Iwaasa’s disappearance there have been no footprints of life.”

The ‘exhaustive search’ in B.C. started on June 24. Lethbridge Police, members of the Pemberton RCMP and surrounding detachments, 12 police officers in total, along with 15 Search and Rescue personnel from Pemberton and Squamish were involved in the search.

They investigated areas that were not previously covered during past search efforts in November and December of last year.

Members of the Canadian Search and Disaster Dog Association were also on hand and conducted an independent search. An RCMP fire investigator was brought in to examine and process Iwaasa’s burned out truck. LPS is currently awaiting the fire investigator’s report.

LPS says no further searches of that area of the B.C. backcountry are planned at this time.

Iwaasa has been listed as missing with the National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains. His DNA and dental records are also on file, according to Lethbridge Police.

Investigators are conducting interviews with several people who may have information that could shed light on Iwaasa’s disappearance, LPS said.

Investigators also continue to check different databases and “will follow-up on any new information.”

“To date police have looked into and checked all available avenues and known sources of information to determine Iwaasa’s movements including CCTV footage from businesses, highway traffic monitoring images, national park/gate camera footage and made requests for dash cam footage from members of the public,” LPS stated.

“At this time there is no known CCTV footage of Iwaasa or his vehicle after he went missing.”

Police said that once the identified investigative tasks have been completed, if no new information becomes available, the missing persons file will stay open with a dedicated investigator until Iwaasa is found or the case is solved.

“Any and all new evidence or leads will be pursued as they are received,” LPS said in its release.

Anyone with any information about Iwaasa is being asked to come forward. Lethbridge Police can be reached by calling 403-328-4444.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com.

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