RCMP search continues two years after Sprague woman goes missing

Manitoba RCMP officers are still searching for a Sprague woman two years after she went missing.

Ywanna (Jean) Backman was last seen on Oct. 13, 2023, and was last in contact with a friend two days later.

“It’s still a mystery. It’s still considered a missing persons file. It’s just one of those cases that we don’t know what happened, and we’re trying to find out,” said RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Melanie Roussel.

RCMP officers found a photo of Backman from Oct. 11, 2023 in a green jacket and believe she might have worn it when she disappeared, she said.

Officers are looking for tips and any information to help them find answers, Roussel said.

She said its uncommon for people to disappear in the Rural Municipality of Piney, especially for two years. Piney also doesn’t have many RCMP calls in general, Roussel added.

On Oct. 19, 2023, Sprague RCMP officers searched the 70-year-old woman’s home, but couldn’t find her, a Friday press release said.

In the following months, RCMP search and rescue, police dogs and drones were all used to find Backman. Police also partnered with the Office of the Fire Commissioner, the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association, volunteers from Winnipeg Search and Rescue and local residents.

But all efforts came up empty.

Rousell said the Manitoba Integrated Missing Persons Coordination Centre is monitoring the case and seeking any leads on where Backman could be. The centre was created in March 2023, with the Winnipeg Police Service overseeing the provincewide coordination at the hub.

“They’re looking to interview people. They’re looking at the tips received from the public. It’s an ongoing file,” she said.

Anyone who may know the whereabouts of Backman or have any information concerning her disappearance can contact the Sprague RCMP at 204-437-2041, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.