Human remains found near Arelee, Sask., have been identified as that of a missing Saskatoon man. RCMP are now investigating the death of Shane Perret, 37, as a homicide.
The cause of death has not been released by police.
The homicide investigation was launched after human remains were found in the rural municipality of Eagle Creek. A local resident made the discovery at a rural property on May 20.
An autopsy was completed Tuesday.
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Saskatoon police said Perret was reportedly last seen in the 300-block of Avenue C South on Dec. 11, 2015. At the time of his disappearance, family and police were concerned about his safety as he may have been in a vulnerable condition.
RCMP say there was an unconfirmed sighting of Perret in Nanaimo, B.C. on Jan. 27 or 28. This report was followed up on by police with negative results.
Police advise it was not uncommon for him to hitchhike or rely on others as a means of travel.
He is not known to have any immediate ties to the rural location where he was found and police describe the whereabouts of his remains as “isolated.”
Residents of Arelee and the surrounding area are encouraged to report any suspicious activity seen since December 2015.
Investigators from the RCMP major crime unit north and Saskatoon police are assisting in the matter.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Biggar RCMP at 306-948-6600 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.