By Angelica Ingram
Published May 3 2016
Human remains discovered in the Spruce Lake area north of Haliburton Village during the weekend have been identified as missing Bowmanville man David Palmer.
Seven months after Palmer was first reported missing the Haliburton Highlands OPP have ramped up their search for the 47-year-old male last week and on May 6 discovered human remains.
As a result OPP secured the scene near Spruce Lake.
On May 10 the remains were identified as Palmer.
On May 3 the OPP issued a news release stating they were still looking for the Bowmanville man who was last seen on Friday October 2 2015 and believe his disappearance is the result of foul play.
“As this search continues police are seeking further help from the public during the course of upcoming cottage season. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious items that they may locate or any changes in the landscape since last fall” reads the release. “Anyone who has seen any suspicious activity and or vehicles in the Spruce Lake area before or during the month of October 2015 is encouraged to contact police.”
Palmer’s 2002 Honda Accord was found by police on Oct. 14 2015 near Spruce Lake just north of Haliburton Village according to the release.
“Palmer is described as a white male 6’ tall 280 lbs. with brown hair and blue eyes. Video footage of Palmer on October 2 2015 shows that Palmer was wearing a dark coloured St. Louis Blues hat dark coloured coat a blue shirt gray track paints and white running shoes” states the release.
Palmer was believed to be in possession of a wallet and black Samsung flip phone both of which remain outstanding say OPP.
The investigation is being conducted by members of the OPP Central Region Crime Unit Emergency Response Team Underwater Search and Recovery Unit and the Central Region Forensic Identification Section under the direction detective inspector Martin Graham of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch according to the release.
As the investigation continues OPP are asking the public not to touch or move any items they might find. If they do find anything they are asked to contact police immediately.
“Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact detective constable Matthew Carmichael of City of Kawartha Lakes OPP at 705-324-6741” says the release.
If you wish to make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers you can be calling 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.stopcrimehere.ca. You may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000.