Police still seek clues in two-year search for Colin Gillis

On March 10, 2012, Tupper Lake teenager Colin Gillis left his home, heading to a party that he would not return from. Two years after he was first reported missing by family and friends, New York State Police continue to seek leads in the investigation into his disappearance. "The State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations Unit located in Ray Brook continues to run down leads in this investigation," said Troop B Public Information Officer Trooper Jennifer V. Fleishman in a press release on the two-year anniversary of Gillis going missing. "Although limited searches of the woods and water near where Colin was last seen will continue, a large portion of the area has been eliminated," the release said. "Along with those searches, the investigation has also focused on the people who would have interacted with Colin during the early morning hours on March 11, 2012, and have not reported that contact with the State Police. The New York State Police would like information about or hope to speak to that person or persons." Fleishman said people should not assume the police have received information unless they have personally been in contact with the proper authorities, and that all information would be kept confidential. The investigation into the disappearance of Gillis ranged from the backwoods of Piercefield, the waters surrounding the Tri Lakes area and Brockport University where Gillis , who was 19 when he went missing, was enrolled as a student. Backgorund According to New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Gillis left the Gillis home on Country Club Road in Tupper Lake March 10, 2012, at 8:30 p.m., telling his parents he intended to spend time with some friends. Gillis received a ride from a friend to a residence located on Lincoln Avenue, then traveled to a party which was taking place at a residence on Paskungameh Road in the Town of Tupper Lake. Several youths attended the Paskungameh Road party with the total exceeding 40 people. That party ended abruptly during the early morning hours of March 11. Gillis was seen walking away from the party. He walked to the intersection of Paskungameh Road and State Route 3. Upon reaching State Route 3, Colin turned left and began walking along the side of State Route 3 toward the Town of Piercefield. Colin was last seen walking westbound by motorists traveling on State Route 3. One of those motorists observed Colin by the St. Lawrence County – Franklin County Line and proceeded to the Tupper Lake Police Department and reported his observation. State Police patrol which subsequently traveled State Route 3 in the towns of Tupper Lake and Piercefield without observing any person on foot. Gillis has not been seen since that time. The search for Gillis was started by friends and family and quickly joined by State Police and the Forest Rangers. A wallet and other belongings belonging to Gillis were located during the initial stages of the search along State Route 3, near the county line, where he was last seen. Anyone who may have information about someone who witnessed Colin Gillis or interacted with him on State Route 3 to contact the State Police BCI Unit in Ray Brook at 897-2000. Additionally, the Gillis family has offered a $25,000 reward to be given to any person that provides relevant and useful information that leads to the location of Colin Gillis.

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Police still seek clues in two-year search for Colin Gillis

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