Thirteen years after Emma Fillipoff vanished in Victoria, her case still baffles police. A new series aims to revive hope and public awareness.
A Mystery That Still Haunts Victoria
Thirteen years have passed, and still, no one knows where Emma Fillipoff went. Her disappearance remains one of Victoria’s most baffling mysteries, and even now, investigators are searching for answers. Although the years keep moving forward, her story continues to pull people back in—again and again.
The Last Time She Was Seen
On November 28, 2012, Emma—just 26 at the time—was spotted walking barefoot near Victoria’s Empress Hotel on Government Street. Earlier that evening, police briefly spoke with her after a concerned acquaintance reached out. She seemed safe, so the officer left. But shortly after, her van was found nearby.
A Van Full of Questions
Inside the vehicle, almost everything she owned waited quietly—her passport, laptop, journals, camera, and even recently borrowed library books. Step by step, clue by clue, people wondered: If she planned to leave, why leave everything behind? And if she didn’t plan to leave—what happened next?
A Mind in Distress
Later, investigators noted signs that Emma may have been facing emerging mental health challenges. Nevertheless, her case wasn’t closed. Instead, it moved to VicPD’s Historical Case Unit, where it remains active today. Even now, detectives continue to review leads, search records, and follow the few traces left behind.
A Mother’s Hope, Still Alive
Emma’s mother, Shelley Fillipoff, carries the weight of 13 long years. Every November 28 feels both close and far away. In the early days, she believed Emma would return soon. Eventually, holding onto that hope became harder. However, she still moves forward, and thankfully, her three other children keep her grounded. As she says, “Without it, I have nothing.”
A New Series May Bring New Clues
To keep Emma’s story alive, a six-part series titled Barefoot in the Night will launch on Emma’s 40th birthday. It premieres on January 6, 2026, and aims to bring renewed attention to her disappearance. Perhaps, with fresh eyes, someone will finally see something that others missed.
How You Can Help
Anyone who wants to learn more—or offer help—can visit helpfindemmafillipoff.ca. Additionally, the RCMP’s National Centre for Missing Persons provides details on Emma’s case and others across Canada.
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