The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has confirmed the identity of human remains discovered in the Fraser Canyon region earlier this week.

A passing motorist had reported the human remains to police at 1:50 p.m. on May 26. Boston Bar RCMP arrived at the scene and found the body of a young woman off Highway 1, north of Yale, B.C.

As foul play was suspected, RCMP called in IHIT for the investigation.

Today, IHIT identified the individual as 19-year-old Melissa Elizabeth Steele.

IHIT stated that Steele led a transient lifestyle and was known to frequent the Downtown Vancouver area.

The B.C. Coroners Service will carry out its own investigation concurrently with IHIT’s investigation, and an autopsy will be conducted next week.

Investigators are seeking to develop a timeline of her activities leading up to her death and are also asking for any dashcam footage from anyone travelling between Boston Bar and Hope on May 25 and 26.  

Anyone with information or dashcam video is asked to contact IHIT by phone 1-877-551-4448 or by email. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477.