Reward in Tamra Keepness case doubled to $50,000

Police in Regina have upped the reward offered for information on the Tamra Keepness case from $25,000 to $50,000 in hopes the added incentive may solve the decade-old mystery of how the five-year-old vanished from her home.

The youngster was last seen in her home, in the 1800 block of Ottawa Street, on the night of July 5, 2004. The next morning, family members noticed she was gone. After spending the morning trying to figure out where she may be, a missing person report was made to police.

What followed was the largest search of its kind in Regina's history, involving hundreds of police and volunteers.

More than 1,500 tips were received by police but no trace of the little girl was ever found.

In the past investigators have said they believe family members, and others in the house, have not been entirely forthcoming with what they know of the case.

Now, 10years on, police are hoping that doubling the reward offer may spur someone to speak up.

"New information or corroborating information pertaining to this incident could be pivotal in bringing the investigation to a successful conclusion," a report by Police Chief Troy Hagen to Regina's Board of Police Commissioners states.

Hagen is recommending the new reward be in place until at least the end of 2015, when it can be revisited. The existing $25,000 reward has been in place since July 13, 2004.

The board approved the recommendation for the $50,000 rewardat itsmonthly meetingWednesday morning.

Among those who appeared at the meeting was Tamra's father, Troy Keepness, who told reportershe approves of the reward increase.