Toronto police have found a seventh set of remains related to the investigation into serial killer Bruce McArthur and have released a picture of a bearded, darker skinned dead man.
Detective Sgt. Hank Idsinga said Monday they could not identify the man in the picture and are now seeking the public’s help.
“I do not want to release this picture and I’m doing so as a last resort,” he said.
This brings the number of seven individuals found this year in large planters at a home where McArthur did landscaping work and stored objects.
Idsinga said they realize how difficult it might be for a relative or friend to see the picture and realize the man is deceased.
“I’ve never done this before,” he said about releasing the photo. “I do it with great hesitation. It is obviously a key piece of evidence that we have that we are releasing, but we feel by releasing it, hopefully we can identify him and close off that area of the investigation.
Investigators have not yet released complete details, but Bruce McArthur is believed to have met his alleged victims in the Gay Village and on gay dating apps for older and large men with names such as “SilverDaddies” and “Bear411.”
McArthur, a grandfather and former mall Santa Claus, has not entered a plea. His case is due back in court March 14. Edward Royle, a lawyer for McArthur, has previously declined to comment on the case.