Death unsolved after 7 years

Darcy Martin is trying to stay optimistic.

But she admits that after seven years, it is hard to wait for justice in the suspicious death of her granddaughter, Traci Genereaux.

On Oct. 21, 2017, the remains of the 18-year-old Vernon teen were found on a farm on Salmon River Road.

An RCMP operation at the farm that involved dozens of officers and two mobile command units resulted in human remains being located.

On Nov. 1, it was confirmed those remains were Genereaux's.

Police called the death suspicious, but seven years later, no one has been charged with her death.

The farm is associated with Curtis Wayne Sagmoen, who has been convicted of violent crimes against women, but police have not publicly connected him to the young woman's death.

Martin said everyday she waits for a phone call from police that there has been a break in the case.

She is in contact with investigators at least two times a year, and has been assured they are still actively pursuing the case.

“They said they are sticking with it and it is a high-priority case and that it is not going to be forgotten about,” Martin said.

Martin said she understands there are a lot of other cases RCMP have to deal with, and she is doing her best to remain hopeful justice will be served.

“I'm trying to stay positive and have some confidence in that, but every year that goes by...” she said. “There are other cases that have gone 10 years or more before there has been an arrest.”

Even though so much time has passed, Martin said the waiting never gets easier.

Birthdays, Christmas and other special occasions are reminders of the empty space in her life where her granddaughter should be.

“I've seen little girls that look like her and I think 'Oh my gosh, does she ever look like Traci' and I get a tear in my eye. It's never going to go away, it is always going to be there.

“All that you can do is carry on with your life, because that is what she would want you to do and cope with it as best as you can. We want justice for Traci.”

Cpl. James Grandy confirmed RCMP are still actively investigating the case.