An Innisfail man has been identified as the murder victim found on May 15 in a burning pick-up truck in a field east of town.
In a news release issued May 17, RCMP identified the victim as Oleg Alex Cusnir, 27 of Innisfail.
“The Medical Examiner's Office has deemed this death as a homicide, however cause of death, although known to police, will not be disclosed at this time,” said RCMP Staff Sgt. Ron Campbell, strategic communications officer at Edmonton's K Division. “Today (May 17) the RCMP Special Tactical Operations team was conducting a ground search of the area in hopes to locate further evidence to support the ongoing investigation.”
The RCMP is holding a news conference Sunday (May 18) when Innisfail RCMP Staff Sgt. Chris Matechuk will address the media.
On May 16, Campbell, said a Ford F-350 truck was discovered at about 2:30 p.m. on May 15.
He said Innisfail RCMP and local firefighters went to the scene near the intersection of Highway 590 and RR 273, about nine kilometres east of town.
“The vehicle was totally destroyed,” said Campbell, adding the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames when Mounties and firefighters arrived.
Campbell said a deceased male was found inside the vehicle. He said the remains of the deceased were taken to Calgary and an autopsy was performed by the Medical Examiner's Office.
He said the probe is being spearheaded by the RCMP's Major Crimes Unit from Calgary with assistance from the Innisfail RCMP detachment, RCMP Forensic Identification Section and the RCMP's Police Dog Services.
Campbell said the blaze caused extensive damage to the deceased's remains.
He said the burnt out vehicle was taken to the RCMP crime lab in Edmonton for additional forensic examination.
Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to contact Innisfail RCMP detachment at 403-227-3341, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or text: tttTIPS to 274637
