Sex offender linked to woman's disappearance dies in B.C., 28 years into sentence

The Mission Correctional Institution in Mission, B.C. is pictured Tuesday, April 14, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

A violent sex offender who was also suspected in the disappearance of a woman in 1993 has died in a British Columbia prison where he had been serving an indeterminate sentence imposed 28 years ago.

Correctional Service Canada says in a release that Daniel Robert Dow died while incarcerated at the Mission Institution, although no cause of death was released.

Dow, who was 68, had been serving an indeterminate sentence that started in March 1998 after he was convicted of beating and choking a woman unconscious while also threatening to kill her child.

Police also named him as a suspect in the disappearance of 20-year-old Sherri McLaughlin in Kamloops, B.C., in 1993, although Dow never admitted involvement and did not co-operate with investigators.

McLaughlin’s body was never found, but police linked Dow’s vehicle to the woman’s damaged bicycle.

Dow had several previous convictions for violent sexual assault and was out on parole when McLaughlin disappeared.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 25, 2026.

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
• The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling.
• The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: [phone] or [phone] (24/7)
• Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: [phone] (24/7)
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone] (24/7)
• Trans Lifeline: [phone]
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
• Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: [phone]
• Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.