Sooke RCMP confirmed this morning that Michael Gregory Widner was murdered.
“Widner's death is considered a homicide and the investigation is being conducted by the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit. We wish to emphasize that this is not a random act – and that there is no threat to public safety,” said Staff Sgt. Jeff McArthur in a statement to regional media outlets.
Widner was last seen March 8 in Sooke and reported missing by his mother the following day.
A resident of Tugwell Road in Sooke, Widner’s car, a black 2003 Volkswagen Golf, was found abandoned in Williams Simmons Memorial Park, near Poirier Lake, on Otter Point Road on March 9.
His body was located along the Pacific Marine route several kilometres from Port Renfrew.
Media reports suggest Widner was a prospect for the Hells Angels.
A forensic autopsy completed yesterday confirmed the murder, police said.
Sooke RCMP will hold a press conference at 1 p.m. today.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit at 250-380-6211 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
MORE TO COME …