RCMP Identifies Moncton Unidentified Remains After 20 Years

Community Safety Alert – Historical Remains Case Resolved in Moncton

The Codiac Regional RCMP has confirmed the identity of human remains discovered in the Moncton, New Brunswick area almost two decades ago. The deceased has been identified as William Dean “Billy” Mackay, bringing long-awaited answers to his family after years of uncertainty.

The investigation began in 2007 when the remains of an adult man were located in the Moncton area. At that time, police determined there was no indication of foul play, but despite extensive investigative work in Canada and abroad, the man’s identity remained unknown for many years. That has now changed thanks to advances in forensic technology and sustained collaboration between multiple agencies.

Official RCMP Details

According to the Codiac Regional RCMP, this case dates back nearly 20 years and involved long-term efforts to put a name to unidentified remains found in the Moncton region:

• 2007 – Discovery: An adult male was found deceased in the Moncton area. Investigators concluded at the time that there was no evidence of criminal involvement in his death.
• Extensive early efforts: Over the years, police attempted to identify the man by:
  • Releasing modified images of the deceased to the public to generate leads.
  • Working with the RCMP National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains (NCMPUR).
  • Collaborating with INTERPOL and comparing profiles in both Canadian and international databases.
  • Reviewing DNA and fingerprint records against multiple investigative databases.
• Use of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG): In July 2025, NCMPUR supported the Codiac Regional RCMP by using Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy, an emerging approach that combines DNA analysis with genealogical research and conventional police work. The RCMP emphasizes that this method is applied in line with strict legal, privacy, and ethical safeguards.
• Identification of the deceased: With assistance from the New Brunswick Coroner’s Office, NCMPUR, and the Toronto Police Service, investigators were able to positively identify the deceased as William Dean “Billy” Mackay within approximately one year of using FIGG.
• Family notification: The family of William Dean “Billy” Mackay has been informed of the identification and has publicly expressed gratitude for the coordinated efforts of police, forensic specialists, and the coroner’s office.

RCMP representatives note that this resolution demonstrates how new investigative technologies, when combined with strong cooperation across provinces and international partners, can help close long-standing cases and support families seeking answers. Similar analytical approaches are increasingly being used to support complex investigations and to complement traditional crime and safety data, such as those available for communities like Cariboo D crime and safety statistics.

The RCMP states that it continues to examine the careful use of emerging tools, including FIGG, in appropriate cases involving unidentified human remains, always within established legal and ethical frameworks.

CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective

From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, historical identification cases like this one in New Brunswick are a critical part of community safety. Confirming the identity of unidentified remains not only provides closure to families but also helps law enforcement verify that there is no ongoing public safety threat linked to the death. The careful use of advanced forensic methods, paired with transparent oversight, is becoming an important tool across Canada for resolving older files and improving the accuracy of missing persons and unidentified remains records.

For residents in Moncton and across New Brunswick, staying informed about investigations like this underscores the importance of maintaining accurate personal records, promptly reporting missing loved ones, and providing DNA or other identifying information to authorities when appropriate and requested in official processes. While this specific case involved no suspected foul play, many unidentified remains cases are tied to broader safety issues, and early reporting can make a significant difference. As police services nationwide, including those in communities from Atlantic Canada to regions like Unnamed 10 in British Columbia, incorporate new technologies, public awareness and trust remain essential for ensuring these tools are used responsibly and effectively.

Official Source & Community Safety

This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the new-brunswick community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.

Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.