Human remains found near Moose Jaw in April identified: RCMP

Human remains found in a rural area northwest of Moose Jaw in April have been identified.

According to the RCMP, the remains were those of a man from Saskatchewan. His family has been notified of the death, but because the man’s death isn’t considered suspicious and he was never reported missing, the RCMP said he will not be named publicly. The Mounties also noted that his family has also requested privacy.

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Police said the remains were found at a makeshift campsite “in a deeply forested area” of the RM of Moose Jaw on April 28. Officers estimated that the body had been in the area for at least 10 to 12 years, but noted there was no indication that foul play was a factor in the man’s death.

Bags and a shoe found along with human remains in the RM of Moose Jaw. Police noted that the shoe features French writing. (Saskatchewan RCMP/Submitted)

Working with a forensic anthropologist, the RCMP uncovered a number of items at the campsite, including clothing, bags, and toiletries. Police released images of some of the items, hoping a member of the public would recognize them.

But, according to police, it was a small bundle of papers found at the site which ultimately cracked the case.

“A ground search was conducted of the immediate area by police and investigators located several papers that were stuck together and unreadable. Experts with the RCMP’s Forensic Identification Services re-hydrated the papers, yielding a possible identification/name of the person,” the RCMP explained in a statement.

“As a result of DNA analysis, the deceased individual’s identity was confirmed to be an adult male from Saskatchewan.”