The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a male found deceased in a wooded area near Williams Lake on Aug. 24, 2011.

After an exhaustive post-mortem investigation and with assistance from Williams Lake RCMP Detachment, Vancouver Police Department Forensic Identification Section, the BC Police Missing Persons Centre and the Ontario Provincial Police Missing Persons/Unidentified Bodies Unit, the male was determined to be Dennis Russell Meleta. Mr. Meleta was about 36 years old at the time of his death, which is believed to be about 10 years prior to discovery.

Identification was determined through advanced fingerprint techniques. Thorough scene investigation and a post-mortem examination have ruled out foul play in Mr. Meleta's death.

Mr. Meleta's family has been notified of the confirmed identification. On behalf of the family, the Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.

To further a humanitarian effort, investigators wish to learn more about Mr. Meleta's activities preceding his death. Anyone who had previous interaction with Mr. Meleta is asked to contact the BC Coroners Service at 604 660-5077.

BC Coroners Service Case Number: 2011-0735-0006

Contact:

Stephen Fonseca, Coroner
Manager, Identification & Disaster Response Unit
Office of the Chief Coroner
604 660-7753