Sarnia police still were combing a field and wooded area for evidence Monday as they wait for the coroner to confirm the identity and cause of death following the discovery of human remains Friday in a First Nation territory in the city’s south end.
Article content
Sarnia police first bailed the public on social media on Friday around 3:30 pm that officers were in the early stages of an investigation in the area of Highway 40 and LaSalle Line.
“This is not an active incident, however police presence is expected for an extended period of time. Further information will be provided as it becomes available,” police posted on the platform X.
Article content
Aamjiwnaang First Nation officials also posted on social media around the same time police were asking their community members to avoid the area of Lasalle Line and Degurse Drive due to the investigation.
“We will continue to provide updates as they become available. Miigwech for your understanding and cooperation,” they wrote.
In an update Saturday morning, Sarnia police confirmed they were investigating the discovery of human remains and were working with the Ontario Coroner’s office to determine the person’s identity and the cause of death.
“This investigation will require an increased police presence in the area for several days while the scene is thoroughly processed. Updates will be provided when/if suitable,” police said Saturday.
Article content
An update was provided Monday afternoon, with police saying the remains have been sent to the Center of Forensic Sciences in Toronto for an autopsy.
“In order to protect the integrity of the police investigation, only this limited information is being released at this time. Further updates will be provided once the remains have been identified and next-of-kin have been properly notified,” police said.
In the meantime, the Sarnia police criminal investigations division and emergency response team were on site conducting a methodical search of the area looking for evidence, they said.
No officers could be seen from LaSalle Line on a frigid Monday morning, but at least seven police vehicles were parked near a red tent surrounded by yellow police tape.
The area police are investigating is the same spot several Sarnia police detectives did a three-hour grid search on Aug. 3, 2022, while investigating the disappearance of Trevor Chaput, a 33-year-old Sarnia man who was reported missing by his family in July 2022. Police at the time said it wasn’t a homicide investigation, but they did call Chaput’s suspicious disappearance. Police renewed a plea for tips in that case last July.
Police did not say Monday if this probe is a homicide investigation or if it’s linked to the Chaput case.
Share this article in your social network