Ottawa police put out second age progression sketch in missing teen case

Ottawa police published an age progression sketch of what Justin Rutter would look like today after the teen went missing 15 years ago.

On Oct. 9, 2009, the then 14-year-old was reported missing by his mother. She had woken up to find Justin did not return home the night before. The teen left his family’s home in Ottawa in the late afternoon on Oct. 8 to spend time with a friend.

That is the last time Justin’s family saw him. Now, 15 years later, the missing teen would be 29 years old.

Police say there have been over 600 updates to the file, including multiple interviews, public tips and calls to officers over the last decade and a bit. Officials have investigated two possible sightings in Ottawa and Vancouver, but Justin has not been found.

“Missing Persons investigators are concerned that foul play may have been involved in Justin’s disappearance and are appealing to the public to please come forward with any information that could be helpful in locating him,” police said in a press release.

A provincial police detective created the age progression sketch of what officials believe Justin looks like now in the hope that someone will contact officers. This is the second sketch police have done for Justin after one published in 2014 showing him at the age of 19.

“Somebody has the information we need to bring closure to Justin’s family. They have been living with broken hearts for the past 15 years,” Rick Carey, Acting Inspector with the Investigations Directorate, said. “If you have information that can help the family, we want to hear from you.”

Anyone with information, no matter how small the details may seem, is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Missing Persons Unit at 613 236-1222, ext. 2355.