Major Crimes Unit joins investigation into human remains found near Watson Lake

Yukon RCMP's Major Crimes Unit has joined the investigation into human remains found at an industrial property, near Watson Lake, on Saturday.

"We don't know that it is a major crime, however, with the uncertainties that we do have, we are endeavouring to find out as much as we can at this point," said RCMP Staff Sgt. Brad Kaeding, at a media briefing Monday afternoon.

"At this point, it's a bit of a mystery as to what we've got, who's involved."

Kaeding said Watson Lake RCMP were called to the property around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, after receiving a report that partial human remains had been found.

Police have not described exactly what was found, but said a further search of the area has not turned up any more remains.

The age, gender and race of the deceased person are still unknown, according to Kaeding. It's also not yet clear how long the remains may have been there. 

Yukon's chief coroner Kirsten Macdonald said a forensic autopsy, scheduled for Wednesday, may help answer some of those questions.

"We're checking in multiple jurisdictions, both locally within Yukon, as well as other possible locations, from which a missing person could have originated," Kaeding said.

Police are asking anybody with information to call Watson Lake RCMP at (867) 536‐5555.