Man charged three years after the murder of Mission teen
By Trail Champion
On March 16, 2013 a Missing Person’s investigation was opened by Mission RCMP after 18-year-old Rachel Pernosky could not be located by family and friends. Her disappearance was out of character and caused great concern for her family.
On March 19, three days after she was last seen alive, Rachel’s body was located in a rural location in Chilliwack. It was clear that Rachel had met with foul play and IHIT assumed conduct of what was, now, a homicide investigation.
The randomness of her murder shocked the community of Mission and beyond and public safety was paramount for all investigative agencies involved but it was quickly determined that this incident was not random and a suspect was identified in the early stages.
On June 23, 2016 there was sufficient evidence to support homicide related charges against Rachel’s half-brother and on June 24 he was arrested without incident.
Investigators have been working closely with Crown Counsel and have secured charge approval against 31-year-old Matthew Joseph Pernosky for the second degree murder of Rachel Pernosky, as well as a second charge of indignity to a body by having sexual contact with and disposing of the body.
“This is a tragic case that has left a family with many unanswered questions. From the onset, IHIT and Mission RCMP have worked collaboratively to follow the evidence and secure the charges you see today. It has been three solid years of drive and commitment from all of the investigators involved,” says Staff Sgt. Jennifer Pound.
While there will be many questions regarding the motive, investigative details and details surrounding the specific charges, the integrity of this investigation must be protected and the court process will be honoured.
