RCMP find suspect vehicle in fatal hit-and-run near Duncan

Mounties say they have identified the vehicle that’s believed to be involved in a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of a teenage girl near Duncan last week.

The crash occurred around 9:50 p.m. on April 18 on the Trans-Canada Highway between Green Road and Beverly Avenue.

By the time emergency crews arrived, the victim was already dead and no vehicle was present, according to RCMP.

Family members later identified the victim as 17-year-old Leeann Joe. She was just weeks away from her 18th birthday.

On Friday, the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP said they located the suspect vehicle, and that it has undergone forensic examination.

The RCMP detachment added that its officers are “continuing to work tirelessly to advance the investigation.”

“The North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP would like to thank the public with their assistance with the investigation so far,” said RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Brett Urano.

“If you know anything about this hit and run and have not yet spoken with us, please come forward and speak with investigators or supply any dash camera footage you may have,” he said in a release Friday.

Anyone with information or video can contact the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522.

On Tuesday, family members said they hoped whoever hit Leanne would come forward.

“It’s inhumane this happened to her,” said Leanne aunt, Monica Joe.

The victim’s mother, Christine James, added that she’ll miss “everything” about her daughter, particularly her jokes.

With files from CHEK’s Skye Ryan

READ MORE:

• ‘It’s inhumane this happened to her’: Family identifies Cowichan hit & run victim as 17-year-old girl
• Overpass plans initially rejected for North Cowichan highway

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