Human Remains Identified as Lawrence Maitland, Missing from Lax Kw’alaams Since July 2019
More than six years after he vanished under suspicious circumstances, human remains found on the northwestern British Columbia coast have been positively identified as those of Lawrence Maitland.
The North District RCMP announced the identification Thursday, confirming the B.C. Coroners Service matched the remains — discovered in the Indigenous community of Lax Kw’alaams near Prince Rupert — to Maitland, who was reported missing in July 2019.
At the time of his disappearance, Maitland was last seen pushing his bicycle along Victoria Street in Lax Kw’alaams. Police immediately classified the case as suspicious and the North District Major Crime Unit took over the investigation shortly afterward.
The remains were located earlier this week during a specialized evidence search conducted by Prince Rupert Ground Search and Rescue at the request of the RCMP. While no additional details about the discovery or cause of death have been released, investigators emphasized the case remains active.
“Major crime detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr. Maitland’s disappearance and death,” said Cpl. Madonna Saunderson. “Further information will be released as it becomes available.”
Lawrence Maitland’s family and the Lax Kw’alaams community have waited over six years for answers. Today’s confirmation brings closure of a kind, but many questions remain.
Source
Our deepest condolences to Lawrence Maitland’s family, friends and the Lax Kw’alaams community. 🖤
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