RCMP now support Tears P.I.

The RCMP has clarified the force’s opinion of Highway of Tears private investigator Ray Michalko, saying the police in fact value his contributions to their investigations and that any misconception of ill feelings are the result of news reports.

Superintendent Russ Nash, officer in charge of E Division Major Crime Section, sent an open letter to B.C. newspapers acknowledging Michalko’s contributions. The letter was issued in the wake of the RCMP’s widely-publicized advisory to Michalko that probes into one particular case may carry criminal charges if continued.

“It is truly unfortunate that this situation has become a topic of recent news articles and broadcasts,” wrote Nash. “There are now those with the false impression the RCMP may harbor ill feelings against Mr. Michalko for his personal involvement in attempting to gather witnesses or evidence that may be of assistance to our investigation. The truth is that I applaud Mr. Michalko’s commitment and resolve....”

Last April, Michalko asked the police force if an action he intended to make in one of his investigations would conflict with theirs. The RCMP said it would, and then went further to issue a letter threatening any further investigation into this case could carry criminal charges of obstructing justice.

The RCMP said they were concerned the private detective may unintentionally tip off suspects or corrupt witnesses’ memories, and thus impede their investigation or future criminal court cases. The move outraged some members of the victims’ families, who have built a trusted relationship with the private eye. They felt Michalko breathed new life into the investigations and provided them with the only glimmer of hope for justice they have seen in the last 20 years.

In his letter, Nash assured the public their request for Michalko to desist will not delay the investigation’s outcome.

“It is important to understand that a large dedicated team of investigators are presently reviewing a number of files involving missing and murdered women in the North District and Central region of British Columbia,” Nash wrote. “It is also important to recognize that the RCMP is appreciative of the information that Mr. Michalko has provided to our investigators.”

“I can assure the public that the RCMP are absolutely committed to this investigation and continue to expend extraordinary human and financial resources toward the resolution of these important investigations.”

Michalko told The Interior News he has read the letter, and for the sake of the families involved will accept Nash’s words at face value.

“I still don’t necessarily agree, but I will abide by their request for now and leave the one case alone,” he said.

“I’m tired of arguing with these guys, and I don’t think it’s good for the families.”

Ten young women, mostly aboriginal, have gone missing or have been found murdered along the 450 kilometre stretch of Hwy 16, dubbed The Highway of Tears, since 1974. Seeing little progress in police investigations, Michalko, a former RCMP officer, started probing into the cases at his own expense in 2006.