Pink Mountain — RCMP are releasing new information on the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Gary Reno.
The 29-year-old Indigenous man has now been missing from the Pink Mountain area for over two months, following his reported disappearance on November 1, 2024.
In a statement to CJDC-TV, RCMP confirm that they have attempted to obtain Reno’s personal items to collect DNA samples. The samples are to have on hand should any new leads or unidentified human remains be found.
“This is a regular investigative step in missing persons cases where the investigation extends for a longer period of time,” said Cst. Chad Neustaeter.
RCMP added that ‘as recently as’ January 3, members utilizing a K9 unit and ATVs conducted a search in an area previously deemed inaccessible; however, this search yielded no new information.
“The hope is always that a missing person will be located safe and sound, but having DNA on hand helps us to be prepared for the alternative,” said Neustaeter.
Reno’s mother, Stephanie Dettieh, shared on social media that officers had been in contact with the Buffalo Inn in Pink Mountain, from where they had received some of Reno’s belongings to send for laboratory testing.
“If it’s not enough DNA, I will be going in to do a blood sample for his DNA,” said Dettieh in a Facebook post.
She also shared that the initial search for her son was called off in November and police have searched an area where his vehicle had been found burned.
Reno was scheduled to appear in a Fort St. John courtroom on November 4, 2024, on charges of assault and breach of undertaking. In a release the following day, RCMP noted that Reno might be driving a black Mitsubishi Outlander.
Gary Brandon Reno is described as:
- Indigenous male
- 29 years old
- 5'8"
- 221 pounds
- Brown eyes
- May wear glasses
“Family has not heard from Gary since Thanksgiving, which they say is out of character for him,” said RCMP in the initial release.
Reno was last known to be living and working in the Pink Mountain area.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Fort St. John RCMP Detachment.