The murder took place 16 years ago, but Alberta RCMP say they've never given up on the investigation and they've never been closer to the truth.

Adrienne McColl was found murdered in a rancher's field near Nanton, approximately 85 kilometres south of Calgary, on Feb. 17, 2002.

She was 21 at the time of her death.

The RCMP major crimes division, based in Calgary, has been investigating recent tips and re-examining previous ones, and says new technologies have led to new leads.

Spokesperson Cpl. Hal Turnbull wasn't able to get into many specifics on the investigation, but did say investigators were originally unable to obtain evidence of criminal wrongdoing from some of the items found at the crime scene in 2002.

"We have been able to submit some of those items for analysis again," he said. "And this time, given the advances in the technology, we're getting some evidence which is allowing the investigation to move forward."

Someone might know something

Turnbull said they are sure someone in the community has information that could answer their remaining questions.

"Time has passed and we find often, when these kind of investigations do take this long to progress, there are people out there who originally did not come forward to police because they believe that whatever details or knowledge they have in their own minds may be insignificant or inconsequential," he said.

"But given that time has progressed, they've had time to think about it and it's oftentimes that what they think is insignificant is actually very key to an investigation."

He said investigators are eager to speak with friends, colleagues or schoolmates, or anyone that would have information on her whereabouts in and around Valentine's Day 2002.

Anyone with information is asked to contact RCMP, their local police service or anonymously at Crime Stoppers.