On this day 16 years ago, a quiet, upscale Vancouver neighbourhood was shaken by the murder of a prominent member of the community.
According to police, Wendy Ladner-Beaudry was jogging in Pacific Spirit Regional Park near 41st Avenue and Camosun Street on April 3, 2009, when she was attacked. Her body was found on the St. George’s trail within the large regional park, just nine blocks from her home.
The police response was immediate and widespread, with dozens of investigators spending days searching the park for evidence and canvassing the community for information. Despite those efforts, no suspects or clear motives were identified.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) led the probe for five years, receiving tips from the public and identifying hundreds of persons of interest. In April 2014, the RCMP Major Crime Section’s Special Projects Unit took over the investigation and has continued to receive public information that has been examined.
While additional persons of interest have been identified and pursued, they’ve all ultimately been eliminated as potential suspects. The RCMP says that the possibility that her death was a random act of violence cannot be dismissed at this stage of the investigation.
“Seventeen years is a long time, but our commitment to finding the person responsible for Wendy’s death has never wavered,” says Supt. Bal Hansra. “We continue to pursue every lead, no matter how small, because Wendy and her family deserve answers. We believe someone out there still holds information that could help move this case forward.”
Ladner-Beaudry is remembered as a devoted, energetic and inspiring woman whose influence extended far beyond her family and friends. She's especially missed within the local Vancouver sporting community, which she championed so passionately.
“Those of us close to Wendy lost a trusted sister, a loving mother, a strong wife, a cheerful aunt, a dear friend, a dedicated mentor or a smiling neighbor,” said Peter Ladner, Wendy’s brother as well as a former city councillor and mayoral candidate in Vancouver. “We have lived with the pain of this tragic event for the past 17 years. We have moved forward but we will never be able to leave behind Wendy’s loving imprint on our lives.”
Ladner-Beaudry was just 53 years old at the time of her murder and would have turned 70 years old in 2026.
Anyone with information on this cold case is urged to contact the RCMP at either 778-290-5291 or 1-877-543-4822. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477.
