Search of Wells Complete – No Evidence of Tamra Keepness

The Regina Police Service has thoroughly investigated a recent “tip” and hand-drawn sketch, claiming to have information in the Tamra KEEPNESS missing person investigation. This sketch was posted, under a pseudonym, to reddit, an internet-based, entertainment and social networking service. After thorough investigation, there is nothing to indicate that this information is authentic and a physical search of the area suggested in the sketch has not uncovered any evidence of Tamra KEEPNESS or anything connected to her.

The Regina Police Service became aware of the post on reddit on Sunday, November 2, 2014, claiming to have information on the KEEPNESS case. The post included a hand-drawn map of an area of the Muscowpetung Saulteaux First Nation. Investigation began to try to determine the credibility of the information and learn more about the person who’d posted it. The investigator in charge of the KEEPNESS case also contacted the leadership of the Muscowpetung Saulteaux First Nation and the RCMP, which is the law enforcement agency of jurisdiction, to request their assistance and co-operation.

On November 4th and 5th, there was some preliminary investigation at the area of interest. As a result of looking at the area and other information gathering, 15 wells were identified for further examination. A plan was developed to have an RCMP member use a specialized camera to look into these wells. A briefing was held on Thursday morning at the Fort Qu’Appelle RCMP detachment, involving the Regina Police Service, RCMP, the Chief of the Muscowpetung Saulteaux First Nation and members of the family of Tamra Jewel KEEPNESS. The RPS team included the lead investigator on the KEEPNESS case, a member of the Cultural and Community Diversity Unit and the Victim Services Missing Person Liaison.  The team located and checked each of the 15 wells initially identified, as well as six more; twenty-one wells in all.  The team carried out this work from 10:00 a.m. to about 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2014.

As the result of investigation related to the reddit “map”:
– Investigators believe that it does not appear that the “tip” to check the wells is valid;
– There is nothing to authenticate the “map” or its information;
– The physical search and examination of the wells does not suggest any connection to the disappearance of Tamra KEEPNESS;
– The physical search did not find any evidence of Tamra KEEPNESS or anything connected to her.

The Regina Police Service will continue to make efforts to contact the person who posted the sketch to reddit in hopes of learning more about the sketch and the circumstances of its discovery. The Regina Police Service is committed to solving the disappearance of Tamra Jewel KEEPNESS and continues to encourage anyone who may have information in this case to contact the Regina Police Service at 306-777-6500 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. The Regina Board of Police Commissioners has authorized a $50,000 reward for information leading to the discovery of the whereabouts of Tamra KEEPNESS.

The Regina Police Service is grateful for the continued assistance of the RCMP in this (and other) matters. We wish to acknowledge and thank the leaders and community of the Muscowpetung Saulteaux First Nation for their co-operation and patience. We thank the family members of Tamra KEEPNESS who have assisted us and continue to offer their trust and support.