Date: Jun 10, 2015
File # 14-39245
Victoria, BC – The warrant authorizing VIIMCU and VicPD’s extensive search of a rural Saanich property was extended today.
Officers from Saanich PD, the RCMP and VicPD continue to work to identify and excavate areas of interest on the seven-acre section of the Goward Road property. This warrant extension means that further police operations will continue on the property as investigators are authorized to continue the search until the end of the month of June.
Officers began the search of the property on Tuesday, June 2nd. Over the eight days of searching to date, excavation has occurred on several areas of the property as officers utilize ground penetrating radar, electromagnetic mapping technologies, aerial photography and consultation with experts in clandestine grave identification. Over the weekend the search located evidence related to the investigation. Earlier in the week, officers seized a stolen piece of excavation equipment.
Dana McKellar, a Victoria father, was reported missing to VicPD in September of last year. After a comprehensive investigation, VIIMCU was brought on board to lead the search. Investigators discovered that McKellar had been previously assaulted in July.
Businesses on the property are not related to the ongoing investigation. These businesses continue to be have been very supportive of officers efforts, and remain open for regular business.