Police and the family of a 57-year-old Saskatchewan man found dead on an abandoned farm site four years ago hope new details can solve the homicide case.
Roger Byer was last seen in Melfort in January 2010. His remains were found several months later in April on a heavily treed farm site west of the city, between Yellow Creek and Meskanaw.
“All the memories we have of him are the memories of his love for fishing and country music, and old cars, and the memories of how he loved his family and friends,” said his daughter Courtney Byer at a media conference Tuesday.
RCMP alongside Courtney Byer gathered in Regina to announce new details in the case.
“At this time we believe theft was the motive for this homicide. However, we can’t confirm this until we locate those who are responsible for Mr. Byer’s death,” said Staff Sgt. Larry Brost.
Byer was an ATM service technician.
“Mr. Byer was in possession of tens of thousands of dollars in cash at the time of his disappearance and this money has not been located,” said Brost.
Police are now looking for a black, heavy-duty work truck seen in the area at the time Roger Byer disappeared. Investigators believe at least two people were in truck.
“When a family member is the victim of a homicide, families are left with more questions than answers,” said Brost. “Our goal is to answer these questions and bring those responsible before the courts.”
Investigators requested Tuesday that anyone who may have saw the truck come forward.
Byer’s daughter issued a similar plea.
“If any of you have any information, please come forward with it,” she said.
The truck was witnessed on a seasonal road just off Highway 41. The road is only used until the first snowfall each year, according to police. The first snowfall in the 2009-10 winter didn’t occur until shortly after Byer’s went missing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
