N.B. RCMP identify remains of person found in Moncton nearly 20 years ago

The remains of a person found in the Moncton-area nearly 20 years ago have been identified, bringing long-awaited answers and closure to the person’s family.

The Codiac Regional RCMP says, with assistance from the New Brunswick Coroner’s Office, along with the National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains and the Toronto Police Service, investigators were able to identity the person as William Dean ‘Billy’ Mackay.

“For more than twenty years we wondered what had happened to our brother Billy. Thanks to the impressive work and excellent cooperation among the team of police, coroner’s office, and DNA specialists, we are grateful to finally have the answer,” says Linda Mackay, sister of the deceased.

The investigation began in 2007, after a man was found dead in the Moncton-area.

At the time, police say investigators determined no foul play was involved and, even though extensive efforts were taken through the years, the person’s identity remained unknown.

Police say a large number of avenues were pursued to identify the deceased, including releasing modified images to the public, working with the RCMP’s National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains (NCMPUR), collaborating with INTERPOL, and comparing DNA and fingerprint records with databases in Canada and internationally.

Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) was used in 2025. The technique combines DNA analysis, genealogical research, and traditional police work to help identify unknown individuals.

Within a year of using FIGG, investigators were able to identify Mackay.

“This identification brings closure to a family who spent many years without answers about their loved one,” says S/Sgt. Sylvette Hebert of the Codiac Regional RCMP. “We are grateful to our policing and investigative partners whose collaboration, dedication, and expertise helped make this possible.”

In a press release on Thursday, police say they continue to explore the use of new technologies and investigative methods, including FIGG, in appropriate cases involving unidentified human remains.

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