Edmonton police seeking new information on Nicole Frenchman’s 2021 disappearance

Police believe a woman who disappeared from Edmonton three years ago is presumed dead, and they are investigating the case as a homicide.

Edmonton police say while the remains of Nicole Frenchman have not been found, they believe the 23-year-old’s disappearance in July 2021 was the result of a homicide.

“The last time I saw her was probably April of 2021,” her sister Sarah Frenchman told reporters at a press conference alongside police Wednesday. “We argued and we didn’t really get to say sorry, so that’s kind of hard for me.”

Police say Frenchman, from Beaver Lake, Alta., was last seen on July 10, 2021, when she and another woman were dropped off by a taxi on 82 Avenue between 97 Street and 99 Street around 5 a.m. Police say that woman is not a suspect.

Investigators are urging anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.

“Despite the fact three years have passed, we believe there are still individuals out there with knowledge of the circumstances surrounding Nicole’s disappearance and presumed death,” said Det. Bryan Macauley of the EPS homicide section.

“We’re hopeful that anyone who may have information pertaining to Nicole’s disappearance might feel more comfortable now reaching out to police, with some separation from when the incident initially occurred in 2021. Sometimes things change over time for a variety of reasons, and people may feel less worried about coming forward to police.”

From October 2021: Edmonton police looking for new leads in Nicole Frenchman disappearance

Frenchman is described as five-foot-four, weighing 130 lbs., with long black hair and brown eyes. She has several visible tattoos, including a blue woman wearing a crown on her upper right chest; a dreamcatcher on her right forearm; and a flower and a dollar sign on her right hand.

“As sisters, we spent a lot of time together growing up, playing outside in our tree fort, going to the beach and creating dance routines,” Sarah said.

“We played together lots as kids, and argued sometimes as siblings do, but we always made up. I think of my sister and miss her every day of my life. It’s heart wrenching for my family and I. We hope someone can find it in their heart to do the right thing for my family and I, and contact EPS.”

Sarah says it’s been a tremendous struggle to move on and heal.

“I had a son a recently, so he helps me a lot with this,” she said.” My daughter, she really misses her because she was really close to her.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact 780-423-4567 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

–With files from Darcy Ropchan