Homicide victim found near Malahat summit identified as missing Victoria man

The human remains found near the Malahat highway last week have been identified as 72-year old Richard Blair Young of Victoria.

His death has been deemed a homicide by police.

The cause of death has not been released.

Young was reported missing to the Victoria Police Department on February 14th. He was last seen on Feb. 7, and police said his family was concerned for his well-being.

His body was discovered on a steep embankment near the Arbutus rest stop on the highway’s summit on Friday. Cowichan Valley and Salt Spring Island Search and Rescue were called in to assist with the recovery.

Police say the investigation is in the early stages and there’s nothing to suggest the public is at risk.

Anyone with information can call VIIMCU at 250-380-6211 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).