Date: Jun 5, 2015
Victoria BC – VIIMCU and VicPD’s extensive search of a rural Saanich property continues today.
Excavation on several areas of the property started yesterday and officers, utilizing ground penetrating radar and electromagnetic mapping technologies, aerial photography and experts in clandestine grave identification, continue to hunt for clues in or remains in McKellar’s disappearance.
The search thus far has located many bones, all determined to be non-human, barrels of a suspicious, but non-toxic substance, and a suspicious piece of excavation equipment that has been seized.
McKellar was reported missing to VicPD in September of last year. After a comprehensive investigation, VIIMCU was brought on board to lead the search.
Through the investigation it was revealed that McKellar had been previously assaulted in July.
Over 90 officers are expected to search for over 6300 person-hours in the search for evidence while utilizing experts in clandestine grave location.
This is not the first property to be searched in this investigation. Earlier this year, teams of detectives and forensic identification specialists pored over a property in the 1200-block of Burnside Road West. Evidence found there has helped direct this investigation.
Businesses on the Goward Road property are not related to the ongoing investigation, have been very supportive, and continue to be open for operation.
The investigation continues and officers are expected to be on scene until early next week.