The Background
In the summer of 2010, Amber Tuccaro, a 20-year-old indigenous woman, went on a road trip with her 14-month-old son, Jacob, from her home in Fort McMurray, Alberta, to Edmonton. She planned to stay in Edmonton for a few days before returning home. However, Amber never made it back home.
The Phone Call
The last known communication with Amber was a phone call she made to her brother from a hotel room in Nisku, a small town near Edmonton. The call was recorded and lasted for 17 minutes. During the conversation, Amber sounded distressed and told her brother that she had gotten into a vehicle with an unknown person and felt like she was in danger.
The Investigation
After Amber’s family reported her missing, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) launched an investigation. The police released the recording of the phone call to the public in hopes of identifying the man who picked up Amber.
The Suspect
The RCMP received a tip that the voice on the recording belonged to a man named “Gary.” However, the police were unable to locate this individual. The case remained unsolved for years.
The Breakthrough
In 2019, the RCMP announced that they had identified the voice on the recording as that of a man named “Bobby Jack Fowler,” a known violent offender who died in an Oregon prison in 2006. The police believe that Fowler was responsible for the murders of several women in the Pacific Northwest region during the 1990s and early 2000s, including Amber Tuccaro.
The Closure
Although the identity of Amber’s killer has been determined, her family still seeks closure. The RCMP continues to investigate the case and has asked anyone with information to come forward.
The Impact
Amber’s case highlights the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada. Indigenous women are disproportionately affected by violence, and their cases often go unsolved. Amber’s family and community continue to advocate for justice and raise awareness about the issue.
The Conclusion
The mysterious disappearance of Amber Tuccaro and the phone call she made to her brother remain a haunting reminder of the violence that indigenous women face in Canada. While the identification of her killer brings some closure to her family, the fight for justice and the protection of indigenous women continues.