Police in Merritt are seeking public help in identifying a missing man whose remains were found two years ago.
On Wednesday, RCMP released a forensic sketch of the unidentified man, whose body was found near Merritt in late September 2019.
Police say the B.C. Coroners Service was notified of the discovery and is also investigating the man’s death.
“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,” said RCMP Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet.
“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.”
The man is described as being light-skinned, of possible European descent, and between 20 and 50 years of age. He was also listed as being approximately six feet two inches tall and 220 pounds with a muscular build.
The man also had straight brown hair, brown facial hair and no apparent tattoos or piercings. Remnants of the man’s clothing included a grey T-shirt and a maroon-coloured hoodie with a zipper.
Police noted that due to the overall condition of the man’s remains, he may have died years ago.
“Given the geographical location of the remains, investigators are mindful that the deceased may not be a resident of the surrounding area, and have not ruled out the possibility that he was a resident of the B.C. Lower Mainland or even Alberta,” said police.
If you know the identity of the deceased, or you have any additional information, you are asked to contact the Southeast District Major Crime Unit information line at 1-877-987-8477.