RCMP have confirmed the identity of the remains of a British Columbia man that went missing in July.
Just days after three people were charged in the murder of Valentine (Val) Degenhardt, the RCMP Specialized Tactical Operations team located his remains.
Degenhardt was reported missing to Morinville RCMP on July 19. A resident of Salmon Arm B.C., Degenhardt was visiting family in Alberta.
He has ties in Sturgeon County.
Degenhardt’s remains were found in an area approximately 65 kilometres northwest of where hikers found his abandoned vehicle off Highway 32 between Whitecourt and Swan Hills.
Degenhardt's family has been notified that their loved one’s remains have been found.
RCMP have charged Norman "John" Jerrett, 46, of Barrhead with first degree murder, robbery, break and enter and indignity to a dead body.
Norma McAllister, 45, of Barrhead is charged with accessory after the fact and break and enter. Carl McAllister, 29, also of Barrhead is charged with accessory after the fact.
As reported by CBC, RCMP believe Norman "John" Jerrett robbed Degenhardt of an amount of marijuana and fatally shot him at a home in Barrhead.
They further allege that Jerrett discarded the body in a wooded area on July 17, the day Degenhardt was last seen, which was caught on a surveillance video at a Barrhead gas station.
Police believe Jerrett’s sister, Norma McAllister and her son Carl McAllister, helped Jerrett after the murder.
Gazette staff were unable to reach “K” Division RCMP by press time.
All three charged have been remanded in custody to appear in Barrhead Provincial Court on Nov. 26.
