He was a ‘father figure’ who vanished in 1996, Ontario police are still looking for him

Ontario Provincial Police are renewing efforts to solve the cold case of Robert William Commu, who went missing nearly three decades ago.

Commu, who frequented areas along the Grand River, was reported missing in 1996 after not returning home. Despite extensive searches, no trace of him was ever found. He was last seen on March 31 in South Dumfries Township, Ontario.

Reports suggest that Commu was last seen with two unidentified men in a pickup truck just before his disappearance.

Investigators hope that advancements in DNA technology will provide answers in the case. Const. Jonathan Bueckert mentioned that DNA samples from Commu’s family have been collected and stored for potential matches.

Despite interviewing family, coworkers, and associates, the case of Commu remains unsolved since his disappearance.

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A Facebook group called “Help Find Robert Commu” has been a platform for loved ones to share memories and raise awareness about his disappearance.

Amanda Whitelaw, a relative of Commu, expressed her deep connection to him and her longing for answers in a heartfelt post.

“You were a father figure to me, and you took me out of bad situations,” wrote Whitelaw.

“I am wishing one day you would just come back and let us know what really happened.”

At the time of his disappearance, Commu was described as six feet tall, weighing 180 pounds, with long brown hair and blue eyes. He had a tattoo of a lion with wings on his upper right arm and was last seen wearing a white leather jacket with black sleeves and a red maple leaf on the back.

Police are utilizing modern tools such as GPS tracking and social platforms in collaboration with the National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains in the investigation.

Anyone with information about Commu’s disappearance is urged to contact the police. Tips submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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