Woman identified in 19-year-old suspicious death case near Guelph

A 19-year-old suspicious death case near Guelph has police still looking for answers.

On August 28, 2005, human remains were found in a wooded picnic area on Highway 7 between Rockwood and Guelph.

Police have now been able to identify those remains, as belonging to Tammy Eileen Penner of Chilliwack, British Columbia.

She was 41-years-old when she was reported missing in February 2005.

Police say they were able to identify her using investigative genetic genealogy (IGG), and a family member’s DNA.

In the investigation so far, police say it is believed she was dragged into the wooded area, about a month before her remains were found, with a ‘Woods’ brand sleeping bag over top of her.

Her clothes at the time were purchased in the Montreal area. Before her death, police say it is believed she had a broken left cheek, nose and left eye socket that had healed.

Ontario Provincial Police do not have a cause of death, but say they do believe her death is suspicious, and someone had contact with her while she was travelling from British Columbia to Ontario.

Detective Inspector Randy Gaynor, OPP CIB, says in a release, “Thanks to ongoing investigative efforts, including the use of investigative genetic genealogy, the OPP has been able to identify Tammy after so many years. There is more to be done – Tammy’s family is desperate to find out the circumstances that led to her death. If you know anything, please contact police to help provide resolution to her loved ones.”

A memorial for Penner has since been created in the area by the Rockwood Knights of Columbus.

Anyone with information is asked to contact OPP or Crimestoppers.