Unidentified Male Dubbed the Otonabee River Man

Unidentified male Dubbed the Otonabee River Man

Otonabee River Man

Update 2024

Police in Ontario have identified a man whose skull was found in a Peterborough-area river. Peterborough Police Service (PPS) said the human remains are those of Gerald Durocher.

Police said they submitted evidence to Othram and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, hoping advanced testing could provide help identify "Otonabee River Man."

"It was through this process, as well as subsequent confirmatory DNA testing by the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service that led to the positive identification of the victim."

Police also say Gerald who would have been 38 years old at the time of his death, had connections throughout Ontario, and in the months leading up to his death, he is believed to have frequented the Vendome Hotel in Ottawa.

Investigators said Durocher also had ties to cities outside of Ontario, including central British Columbia. "Although we have learned that Gerald was residing in the Ottawa area, we know that he lived a lifestyle that saw him visit many places," they said in a YouTube video.

Police are asking anyone with information about Durocher, or his death, to come forward as they say "even the small details can play a large part in solving a case."

Anyone with information can call 705-876-1122, ext. 266, or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

Crime Stoppers says it is offering a $5,000 reward for anyone who has information leading to an arrest in this case.

Date of Discovery: July 10, 1988

Location of Discovery: Peterborough, Ontario

Estimated Date of Death: Unknown

State of Remains: Partial skeletal

Cause of Death: Homicide

Estimated Age: 40-74 years old

Race: White

Gender: Male

Height: Unknown

Weight: Unknown

Hair Color: Brown, possibly balding.

Eye Color: Unknown

Distinguishing Marks/Features: Possibly wore a beard. Signs of arthritic changes to his temporomandibular joints which may have caused significant pain in his jaw. He was likely a smoker.

Identifiers

Dentals: Available. Dental health was poor. Most molars missing during life. Remaining molar is carious. Front teeth missing postmortem.

Fingerprints: Not available.

DNA: Available.

Clothing & Personal Items

Clothing: None located.

Jewelry: Unknown

Additional Personal Items: Unknown

Circumstances of Discovery

Recreational divers found a severed head in the Otonabee River near Peterborough. Police conducted searches and no other body parts were found. The victim's head had been severed from his body with a sharp object. He was dubbed the Otonabee River Man.

Investigating Agency

Agency Name: Ontario Provincial Police Missing Persons and Unidentified Bodies Unit (MPUB)

Agency Contact Person: OPP MPUB

Agency Phone Number: 1-877-934-6363 or 1-705-330-4144

Agency Email: canadamissing-disruscanada@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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