YORKTON — This Sunday will mark 10 years since 16-year-old Mekayla Bali went missing in Yorkton.
“Ten years have passed since Mekayla was reported missing. Someone who may not have wanted to speak at the time might feel ready to do so now. It’s never too late to come forward. Information from the public can still make a difference,” says Insp. Ashley St. Germaine, senior investigative officer with Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Branch.
Mekayla was last seen on April 12, 2016, shortly after 1 p.m. at the Yorkton bus depot on 1st Avenue North. Investigation has determined Mekayla did not board a bus that day.
Since she was reported missing, police say, more than 1,000 tips about Mekayla’s disappearance have been received and investigated by Saskatchewan RCMP.
Police officers with Saskatchewan RCMP’s Historical Case Unit, part of the Major Crimes Branch, continue to investigate Mekayla’s disappearance and follow up on all tips and information received about her whereabouts.
Tips from the public – no matter how small – remain a key component of this investigation, say police, and they continue to encourage anyone with information to come forward.
“Even details that may have seemed insignificant 10 years ago could help investigators piece together vital information and provide answers to Mekayla’s family and loved ones, who continue to seek closure,” says Insp. Germaine
In a statement, Mekayla’s family says, “Mekayla is a part of us, and that will never change. But for ten years, our lives have been on hold. We are speaking out today because Mekayla’s Mom and siblings deserve to have answers, not just questions. For the sake of our family’s healing, we ask anyone with even the smallest piece of information to contact the RCMP. If you know anything at all, please find the courage to come forward. It is never too late to do the right thing. Mekayla Bali is loved beyond measure and missed beyond words.”
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to report it to police by calling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
A timeline of Mekayla’s last-known movements is available here. Note: the contact information in the video is no longer valid; please use the above numbers for tips and information.
