By Ashley Legassic

RCMP say missing Merritt cowboy’s disappearance suspicious

Mar 19, 2019 | 9:42 AM

MERRITT, B.C. — Investigators with the RCMP now say a missing Merritt cowboy’s disappearance is being considered suspicious.

In a news release, B.C. RCMP Sgt. Janelle Shoihet says Ben Tyner’s disappearance is being investigated as suspicious.

Tyner was reported missing to the Merritt RCMP on Jan. 28, when his rider-less horse was discovered on a logging road off Highway 97 near Winnie Flats.

“Merritt RCMP, while there was nothing in the first instance to indicate there was any criminality related to his disappearance, they thought, you know, it’s a bit weird that this horse is now rider-less and Mr. Tyner is nowhere to be found,” Shoihet says. 

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After he disappeared, RCMP, search and rescue, air services, police dog services, and volunteers combed the area but Tyner wasn’t located.

“Sometimes at the onset of an investigation there are pieces that don’t quite fit and while there is nothing definite, they warrant further investigation,” says Shoihet. “Now having had the opportunity to review all the pieces, we believe that the circumstances surrounding Mr. Tyner’s disappearance may involve criminality.”

The investigation is a priority for the Southeast District Major Crimes Unit and the Merritt RCMP, according to the release. Shoihet adds that to protect the integrity of this investigation, no further details can be provided.

“After having looked at what is now almost two months of investigative follow up and investigation, they’ve determined that not all the pieces are fitting together quite like they should, and that it appears Mr. Tyner’s disappearance is not of his own volition,” Shoihet says.

Anyone who has information on Tyner’s disappearance is asked to call Merritt RCMP at (250) 378-4262 or the Southeast District Major Crimes Unit tip line at 1 (877) 987-8477.