COLD CASE: Squamish RCMP seeking public’s assistance in 32 year old homicide
By Trail Champion
March 18, 2022, marks the 32nd anniversary of the death of 73-year old Kathleen Vauden Kermode, lovingly known as ‘Kay’. Overnight on March 17-18, 1990, the suspect gained entry to Kermode’s Sunset Beach home by climbing a ladder to the raised deck and opening a sliding glass door. Once inside the home, the suspect stabbed Kermode several times. Kermode’s purse was rummaged through and the keys to her 1982 green VW Jetta were taken. The suspect drove the Jetta away from Kermode’s residence and ultimately abandoned it, only a short distance away, where it was left blocking the roadway. That morning, a neighbour in the area noticed Kermode’s vehicle and thought the location of the parked car appeared to be out of the ordinary; efforts to get a hold of Kermode were futile until such time Police were called and made the grizzly discovery.
Kermode lived alone in her waterfront property as a retired school teacher, having spent most of her teaching days in the West Vancouver School District. In her retirement she remained active socially with numerous friends, enjoyed theatre, reading and keeping up to date with politics. She was a victim in every sense of the word.
To this day, investigators do not have a motive for Kermode’s senseless murder and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the person responsible. Over the years, Police have received and investigated numerous tips; however, this case remains unsolved.
We will continue to work on, revisit and scrutinize this case states Sgt. Jeff Shore NCO i/c Sea to Sky General Investigation Section. No matter how many years pass by, we remain committed to finding justice for Kay and obviously for her family who still seek answers.
Even though so much time has passed, we still seek closure and wonder just what happened to our Aunt Kay. We are grateful the police are still searching for answers and hopeful that something will come to light to assist the investigation says Allison Kermode, a surviving niece of Kay Kermode.
Police are urging anyone with information about this murder to contact the Squamish General Investigation Section at 604-892-6100 or should you wish to remain anonymous please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
