Search of Saanich Property in Dana McKellar Disappearance Comes To a Close

Date:   Jun 15, 2015

File #     14-39245

Victoria, BC – VIIMCU and VicPD’s search of a Saanich property for evidence in the disappearance of Dana McKellar has come to close.

Officers from Saanich PD, the RCMP and VicPD worked on the Goward Road property from Tuesday, June 2nd, to Saturday, June 13th, searching for evidence in Dana McKellar’s disappearance. On Thursday, June 11th, investigators located  remains, which were confirmed  to be human by the BC Coroners Service. Investigators continue to be in contact with Dana McKellar’s family and are keeping them advised of developments as they occur. We reiterate their request for privacy at this time.

Investigators are now working with the BC Coroners Service to identify the remains. Once identified, the deceased’s next of kin will be notified. The next steps will be establishing how the person came to be at the property, how that person died, and who is responsible.

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, 2014 .

This search was one of the largest ever by law enforcement on Vancouver Island. Over the eleven days of searching, several areas of the property were excavated and tools such as ground-penetrating radar, electromagnetic mapping technologies, thermal imaging and consultation with experts in clandestine grave identification were utilized. Evidence, including a stolen piece of excavation equipment, was located and collected. More than 90 officers scoured the property, exploring an area that was more than seven acres in size.

During the search, businesses on the property were very supportive of officers efforts, and remained open for regular business. These business were not related to the investigation and their patience and understanding during this difficult time were essential to the successful search of the property.

If you know anything about Dana McKellar’s disappearance you are asked to call the VicPD non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654 or report it anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).