A $50,000 reward is now being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the disappearance of a 35-year-old Fort Frances woman who has been missing for over a year.
On Monday, the OPP issued a press release seeking information on the whereabouts of Melanie Lapish, who has was last seen in Fort Frances.
"We hope this reward encourages anyone with information about Melanie's disappearance to come forward. Her family misses her deeply and they deserve answers. If you have any information, please step forward," said Acting Detective Sergeant Ryan Gordon, of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch.
In the press release, the OPP says Lapish was dropped off in Fort Frances on Feb. 26, 2024.
"Lapish was supposed to meet an individual for a ride. Despite numerous searches by police, Melanie Lapish has not been located," said the OPP in the release.
The OPP say the circumstances surrounding Lapish's disappearance are criminally suspicious.
Lapish has ties to Sault Ste. Marie. In November SooToday interviewed her brother in the Sault, who said the family is experiencing a living nightmare due to her disappearance.
The $50,000 reward announced on Monday is being offered by the Government of Ontario.
Lapish is described as white with green eyes and blonde hair. She is about 5'9" tall and 100 pounds with a thin build and was last seen wearing black pants and a grey top. She has a black and white tribal tattoo on her lower back.
Anyone with information about Lapish's disappearance is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.