Edmonton Police have identified the burnt remains found inside a vehicle on an abandoned rural property back in late July.
Police say the remains are those of 27-year-old Kyle Gayda. The medical examiner has not released the name, but police and the family decided to go ahead.
"DNA, dental records take time, unfortunately when we're investigating, time is of the essence, so yeah we are pushing this before full confirmation, which isn't normal, but we believe it was Kyle Gayda," said Det. Dan Jones with the Edmonton Police Service.
Officers were called to the property near 156 St and St. Albert Trail on July 27th after people walking in the area found a burned-out 2010 Chevrolet Impala.
Gayda's remains were found in the destroyed vehicle. Police say they will not be releasing the autopsy results as they don't want to jeopardize their investigation into the city's 32 homicide victim of the year.
Police aren't releasing a cause of death. They say the victim is known to them but not in a significant way. He was last seen on July 14th.
Detectives continue to establish a timeline for Gayda and would like to hear from anyone with information. His burned-out Impala was found half a kilometre west off 156 Street near St. Albert Trail in a field near trees.
Police have posted a small video showing the scene where the victim's car was found, along with a picture of Gayda, on their website. Officers hope the man's friends who are active on social media sites will circulate the video to a wider audience .
Investigators are asking anyone with any additional information or tips to call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or the EPS Dispatch line at 780-423-4567.
With files from Kim Taylor
