Homicide investigators take over case of missing Langley man

A young Langley man missing since February was likely murdered, police say.

Nicholas Hannon, who would have turned 20 this month, was last seen by his younger brother on Feb. 24.

Craig Hannon, Nicholas’s father, said when he goes out with his young granddaughter, she sees missing posters of her Uncle Nick and asks why he doesn’t just come home.

“We have never given up hope, however, now that IHIT has the case, our deepest fears may be a reality,” Craig Hannon said at a press conference Thursday.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team took over the case in April, after working with the Langley RCMP for several weeks.

The suspicious circumstances of Hannon’s disappearance and some pieces of evidence have led police to believe foul play was involved, said Staff Sgt. Jennifer Pound, spokesperson for IHIT.

“Right from the beginning, this didn’t look normal,” she said.

She could not say anything specific about that evidence.

Investigators are hoping that a public appeal will bring in more tips that allow them to find out what happened and locate the person or persons responsible.

Craig Hannon asked for anyone who knows to speak up.

“Our family believes that someone out there has the strength to come forward,” he said.

He made a plea to anyone who knows something.

“Whatever happened, has happened,” said Craig. “Someone knows or some people know what has happened, or did whatever they did. I would hope that they have family too, maybe brothers, or sons, and I hope they can see the pain that we’re suffering, and that they can overcome their guilt and come forward, and let us know what happened.”

“We know that there are individuals out there who have details,” Pound said.

A $10,000 reward for information that leads to the safe return of Nick Hannon remains in place, his father said.

Before Nick’s disappearance, life was good for the young man and there was no indication of trouble, he said. Nick had been living at home, spending time with his younger brother and going to school.

In late February, Craig returned home late from work and noticed Nick’s car was not home. It still wasn’t there when he got up for an early flight the next morning.

Craig said he had a gut feeling something was wrong, but he didn’t want to be an overprotective dad.

Nicholas was last seen on Feb. 26. On Feb. 27, his car was found at the dead end of McKinnon Crescent, south of Derby Reach Regional Park. 

Hannon was not known to go to Derby Reach and there was not reason for the vehicle to be parked there, said Pound.

Search teams of volunteers and Metro Vancouver Parks workers scoured the area through snow and cold weather starting early on March 2, but the search was called off within a couple of days, with no results.

Nick Hannon is described as Caucasian, 5’9”, slim build, with very short dark brown hair. 

If people have information about Hannon’s disappearance, they are asked to contact the IHIT Tipline at 1-877-551-4448. Or to remain anonymous, use Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.