Human remains found near Malahat identified, probed as homicide

Human remains were found near the Arbutus rest stop on the Malahat highway on March 2, 2017. (CTV Vancouver Island)

The death of a 72-year-old man whose remains were found near the Malahat Highway last week has been deemed a homicide by police.

The remains were discovered near the Arbutus rest stop on the highway’s summit on Friday.

On Thursday, police confirmed the remains were those of Richard Blair Young, who was reported missing to police on Feb. 14.

Police issued a missing person notice after Young disappeared that said he had not been heard from since around Feb. 7 and his family was concerned for his wellbeing.

His death is now being investigated as a homicide by Shawnigan Lake RCMP and the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit.

Police say while the investigation is in the early stages, the public is not at risk.

They’re now asking anyone who might have information about his death to come forward and call VIIMCU at 250-380-6211 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Any tips that lead to an arrest and charge could carry a reward of up to $2,000, police said.