OPP again issues call for information about death of Tammy Penner
Police identified Penner's remains in 2024, nearly 20 years after her body was dumped in a rest area near Rockwood
GUELPH/ERAMOSA – Two years after police were finally able to identify the remains of Tammy Eileen Penner, they are re-issuing a call for information that might help solve the BC woman's death and disappearance 21 years ago.
On Aug. 28, 2005, a pedestrian discovered human remains while walking in a wooded picnic/rest area on Highway 7, between Rockwood and Guelph.
The remains were identified as female, and police believed she was dragged a short distance into a wooded area approximately a month prior to the discovery.
A ‘Woods’ brand sleeping bag covered the deceased, who was wearing clothes purchased in the Montreal area.
"Though the cause of death remains undetermined, investigators have deemed her death suspicious," states an Aug. 20 press release from the OPP.
Police say that prior to her death, she had experienced a broken left cheek, nose and left eye socket that had healed. As a result of these injuries, she wore a two-tooth, partial plate on her upper teeth.
In 2022, police submitted the case for investigative genetic genealogy to determine her identity and in April 2024, a presumptive identification was established and used to locate living family members.
A family member’s DNA was used to confirm that the deceased woman was Penner.
"The identification of Tammy with the assistance of investigative genetic genealogy was an important step, but many questions remain unanswered," stated OPP Detective Inspector Randy Gaynor in an Aug. 20 press release.
"We're asking anyone who remembers seeing Tammy to please come forward, no matter how insignificant the information may seem.
"Her family has waited many years for answers and our investigative team remains committed to uncovering the truth and providing them with resolution."
Penner, who was 41 years old at the time of her disappearance, was reported missing to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on Feb. 7, 2005.
She had been living in Chilliwack and Abbotsford, British Columbia, prior to travelling to Ontario, police say.
"During her journey ... Tammy attended the Midland Mall in Midland, Ontario, on [June 30, 2005]," police stated.
On or around that day, a transport truck driver may have dropped her off at the now-closed Husky Truck Stop on Highway 401 and Dixie Road in Mississauga, OPP officials say.
"Tammy was seen near a cream- or beige-coloured transport truck shortly after being dropped off," police stated.
"She may have been wearing a beige tank top with black corduroy fabric shorts, carrying a blue sleeping bag."
Investigators are asking anyone who saw Penner during this time or has information about her movements to call the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
