Missing hunter James Barnes: RCMP seek leads in Chetwynd case as dog DNA test results are not a match for Murphy

CHETWYND, B.C. — Chetwynd’s police are still seeking leads about the missing James Barnes, after a DNA test confirmed his dog had not been found.

Barnes, also known as Jim Barnes, was reported missing after failing to return home from a hunting trip on Friday, October 18th 2024. He was believed to have been with his golden retriever Murphy when he disappeared.

Chetwynd RCMP were notified the next day, as Barnes was believed to have been in the Chetwynd area.

Officers later found Barnes’ pickup with his hunting equipment, but no sign of the man.

Searches continued until October 24th, when rescue efforts were halted pending further RCMP investigation.

Expanded efforts included search and rescue teams from throughout B.C., including from the North and South Peace, Kamloops, Prince George and the Okanagan.

However, all efforts to locate Barnes were brought to a halt in early December.

A dog matching Murphy’s description was found near Halfway River north of Fort St. John in December 2024.

However, the RCMP said DNA tests confirmed the dog was not Murphy.

Barnes is described as a caucasian male, 28 years old, standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 201 lbs. 

He has brown hair and brown eyes and a large moustache. Barnes was last seen wearing a green/blue TC Energy ball cap, green or blue hoodie and jeans.

Murphy is described as a golden retriever with no collar.

Police are asking anyone who may have seen Barnes or Murphy on October 18th, the day he was last seen, in the Groundbirch Road and 269 Road area from Highway 97 south and Groundbirch Forest Service Road to contact Chetwynd RCMP.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Chetwynd RCMP at  250-788-9221.