Almost a year after she was last seen, a missing Victoria woman’s body has been found in Sooke.
Melissa McDevitt, 38, was reported missing on Dec. 10, 2022.
McDevitt’s body was discovered on Dec. 6 in the Sooke Potholes search area, in dense vegetation, through a joint effort between volunteer organizations and law enforcement.
“The efforts made by the local volunteer group has been absolutely incredible and they worked tirelessly through the last year, and the Sooke RCMP appreciate all their efforts in helping find Melissa,” said Staff Sgt. Greg Willcocks, commander of the Sooke RCMP detachment. “We hope this brings closure to the family and the community.”
Police do not believe that criminality was involved in the woman’s death. The B.C. Coroners Service is also investigating the woman’s death.
The search for McDevitt involved 80 volunteers from 10 agencies and lasted a year. The initial search was suspended on Dec. 19, 2022, but Sooke RCMP has maintained an active missing persons investigation.
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