BC RCMP are asking for help in identifying the remains of a man whose body was discovered near Merritt in late September 2019.
Wednesday morning, police released a composite sketch of the man, who they believe may have been dead “for an extended period of time, possibly multiple years.” They also say it is likely he may not have been a resident of the area, adding its possible he was a resident of the Lower Mainland or even Alberta.
“Despite all efforts by investigators through DNA analysis and dental comparisons, combined with other investigative avenues, an identity for the deceased has not yet been established,” RCMP Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet of the BC RCMP.
“The Southeast District Major Crime Unit has assumed conduct of the investigation as police believe that criminality may have been involved in the man’s death.”
Shoihet says the BC Coroners Service is also investigating the man’s sudden death.
Described as a light-skinned man, possibly of European descent, the police say the man stood about six-foot-two and weighed 220 lbs with a muscular build at the time of his death. He was likely between 20 and 50 years of age and had straight brown hair, brown facial hair, and no apparent tattoos or piercings.
At the time, he was wearing a grey t-shirt and a maroon coloured zippered hoodie.
Shoihet confirmed to NL News that the remains are not of Merritt-area cowboy Ben Tyner, who went missing at the end of January 2019.
“No, those T’s have all been crossed, I assure you,” she said, in an email.
If you know the identity of the person, or if you have any other information you are asked to contact the Southeast District Major Crime information line at 1-877-987-8477.