NEWS RELEASE ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
(GUELPH-ERAMOSA TOWNSHIP, ON) – Police have determined the identity of a deceased female found near Rockwood 19 years ago using investigative genetic genealogy (IGG).
On August 28, 2005, a pedestrian discovered human remains while walking in a wooded picnic/rest area on Highway 7, between Rockwood and Guelph. An investigation began under the direction of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), with support from the Wellington County OPP, the Office of the Chief Coroner, and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.
The remains were identified as female, and it was believed she was dragged a short distance into a wooded area approximately a month prior to the discovery. A ‘Woods’ brand sleeping bag covered the deceased, who was wearing clothes purchased in the Montreal area. Though the cause of death remains undetermined, investigators have deemed her death suspicious.
Further examination determined that, prior to her death, she had experienced a broken left cheek, nose, and left eye socket that had healed. As a result of these injuries, the deceased wore a two-tooth, partial plate on her upper teeth.
In 2022, CIB investigators submitted the case for IGG use in an attempt to determine her identity. In April 2024, a presumptive identification was established and used to locate living family members. A family member’s DNA was used to confirm that the deceased female was Tammy Eileen PENNER of Chilliwack, British Columbia.
opp supplied photo: Tammy Penner
Tammy, who was 41 years old at the time of her disappearance, was reported missing to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on February 7, 2005. She had been living in Chilliwack and Abbotsford, British Columbia, prior to her disappearance. Investigators believe someone had contact with her during her journey from British Columbia to Ontario.
The Rockwood Knights of Columbus created a memorial for Tammy, which has been maintained by a member of the public. The OPP appreciates the compassion and dedication of these individuals to Tammy’s memorial. Photos of Tammy and the memorial are attached to this release.
supplied photo
supplied photo
The investigation continues. Anyone with information in relation to this investigation is encouraged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
“Thanks to ongoing investigative efforts, including the use of investigative genetic genealogy, the OPP has been able to identify Tammy after so many years. There is more to be done – Tammy’s family is desperate to find out the circumstances that led to her death. If you know anything, please contact police to help provide resolution to her loved ones.” – Detective Inspector Randy Gaynor, OPP CIB
