Hoping to close investigations into unidentified human remains, the BC Coroners Service released an interactive map Wednesday enabling the public to provide helpful information.

The map contains information on all of B.C.’s active, unsolved unidentified human remains investigations – about 200 cases dating as far back as 1953. In Richmond, there are three.

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“By reaching out and engaging members of the public with the launch of this innovative tool, it’s our hope to gain new investigative leads that will lead to the identification of these unidentified individuals and bring closure to their families,” said Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner in a press release.

Anyone with information or questions the investigations on the interactive map should contact the special investigations unit, citing the case number provided in the viewer at: BCCS.SIU@gov.bc.ca

Here are Richmond’s three unsolved unidentified human remains cases:

1. June 23, 1976

Richmond’s oldest unidentified human remains cold case is from June 3, 1976. A male in his 40s was found south of Dyke Road. He’s described as having blue eyes, grey hair and being five feet, nine inches tall. He was wearing blue jeans at the time as well as black leather ankle boots and a black leather belt.

The individual also appeared to have spinal fusion surgery. No sketches were on file for him.

2. July 8, 2004

The second individual was found near the George Massey Tunnel on July 8, 2004. The male had brown hair and was believed to be anywhere from 35 to 55 years old and could have ranged in height between five feet, eight inches and six feet, four inches tall.

He was wearing blue jeans and black boxers when he was found and wasn’t noted as having unusual scars or tattoos.

3. June 8, 2008

The third unidentified human remains cold case is from 2008. On June 8, a man in his late 40s to early 50s was found along the Fraser River, past the eastern end of Dyke Road. He was found wearing size 8.5 State Street brand leather shoes with his full dentures intact.

The full interactive map can be seen here: https://bit.ly/2MWfIui



