The parents of a missing Burnaby man are offering a $50,000 reward for the safe return of their son.
The announcement was made during a press conference organized by the RCMP to say the investigation into Kellen McElwee's disappearance has been turned over to the homicide squad.
Cpl. Dale Carr, with the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, said his unit's mandate is to take the lead when the search for a missing person becomes "suspicious." It does not mean McElwee is dead.
"A suspicious missing persons investigation is one where, through information gathered, there is a suggestion the missing person may have met with foul play," Carr said. "This information may be quite general and not necessarily evidence.
McElwee was last seen on March 19 leaving the Keg Steakhouse and Bar at 202 Avenue in Langley.
His car, a four-door Honda Civic, was found six days later on Halifax Street in Burnaby.
On April 2, police released surveillance camera photos of a man exiting McElwee's building wearing a hooded winter jacket and DC brand backpack. Investigators have not yet found this man.