Regina's unsolved triple murder now a cold case

It’s easily one of the worst crimes in Regina’s history and now it’s considered a cold case.

On Thursday, Regina police announced that the investigation into the shocking murder of a Burmese family in their Uplands neighbourhood townhouse is moving to the cold case unit.

On Aug. 6, 2010, the bodies of 31 year-old Gray Nay Htoo, 28 year-old Maw Maw and three year-old Seven June Htoo were found inside their townhouse on Oakview Drive. They were Karen refugees who had been living in Regina for about two years after moving from a refugee camp in Thailand.

Since the discovery, more than 200 interviews have been done, the majority of which have involved Karen-speaking people. As well, several people have been arrested. However, nobody has ever been charged.

“We have theories but we don’t have the evidence to substantiate or progress with those theories,” explained Deputy Chief Dean Rae.

A comprehensive investigation was launched when the murders occurred that involved as many as 25 Regina Police Service members. Officers from the RCMP, FBI and other law enforcement agencies helped as well. An RCMP member of Karen descent had been involved in the investigation from the beginning to help break down language barriers. The case even took officers down to the United States to investigate.

Rae admitted things have slowed down.

“Right now, there isn’t enough work for an investigative team to continue.”

Instead, the file will be turned over to a cold case coordinator who will follow up on any new leads and information that comes in.

“This file is not closed,” assured Rae.

A $50,000 reward approved in May 2014 remains available to information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible.

Rae doesn’t have an exact number on what the investigation has cost police, but calls it “substantial”, estimating the case has possibly made its way into the millions of dollars.

Anyone with information on the case is encouraged to contact the Regina Police Service at 306-777-6500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

KMartel@rawlco.com
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