Family of Amber Alert kids say disappearance has been ‘devastating’ to their siblings

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This article was published 25/07/2023 (1157 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

SURREY, B.C. – The family of two British Columbia children who are the subject of an Amber Alert says their disappearance has had a “devastating” affect on their big sisters and brother.

Surrey RCMP say the whereabouts of the two children remain unknown, with the last confirmed sighting at a Merritt, B.C., gas station on July 7.

A written statement by their family says the children are loved and missed.

It says the siblings love family picnics, movie nights with popcorn, playing pranks and having water fights in their front yard.

The statement also says the missing pair are “exceptionally close” to their entire extended family, particularly their cousins, who they visit often and with whom they enjoy swimming, having sleepovers and playing outdoors.

Surrey RCMP say the kids’ mother, failed to return them to their father earlier this month, and authorities suspect the trio is living “off the grid” with the woman’s father and her boyfriend.

They say the last confirmed sighting of the mother was at a Kamloops, B.C., grocery store on July 15.

Authorities first issued the Amber Alert on July 19 when the children were not returned to their father, who has primary custody.

“Our family would like to share with you the love and joy that (they) bring to our lives everyday. They are so much more than ‘missing children,’ more than a few photos,” reads the family’s statement, issued Tuesday.

“We have a routine at home, we share, we help, we tease and love each other beyond words.”

Police launched a tip line and email account last week to gather information about the case after finding out that Verity Bolton had access to several trailers, capable of being towed by the 2012 Dodge Ram pickup which she was spotted driving.

Police say their investigation is ongoing and they are encouraging the public to reach out using the tip line if they have any information.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 25, 2023.