The Saskatoon Police Service has concluded its search of the City of Saskatoon landfill following the recovery of human remains.
For 93 days, police and purpose-trained dogs methodically searched a calculated area of the landfill for evidence relevant to the Mackenzie Trottier missing persons investigation. On July 30, 2024, members of a search team at the landfill made a partial recovery of human remains; following this finding, the search team continued their efforts where, on August 1, 2024, a full recovery of human remains was made. Through consultation with forensic anthropologist Dr. Ernie Walker and the examination of dental records, the deceased has been identified as then 22-year-old missing person Mackenzie Lee Trottier. Following an autopsy that was conducted on August 1, 2024, Mackenzie’s death is undetermined. The Saskatchewan Coroners Service is continuing to investigate.
Through the police investigation, a suspect in Mackenzie’s disappearance had been identified; however, before investigators could obtain the evidence required to prove their involvement, the suspect died in an unrelated incident. Evidence recovered from electronic devices belonging to the suspect supported the search of the landfill.
During the police investigation, video surveillance had been released of a man believed to have information regarding Mackenzie’s disappearance. This man is not the deceased suspect and is not believed to be involved in Mackenzie’s death.
The no-fly zone that had been put in place in the airspace above the landfill has now been removed.
The Saskatoon Police Service extends its sincerest condolences to Mackenzie’s family and loved ones and is grateful for their trust, patience, and participation throughout this deeply difficult process.
May 31, 2024 1:06 PM
For the past 31 days, police and purpose-trained dogs have methodically searched a 930 m³ area of the City of Saskatoon landfill for evidence relevant to the Mackenzie Trottier missing persons investigation. While significant progress has been made, the search of this area of interest has not been completed and investigators remain interested in continuing.
To allow for the completion of this search, the Saskatoon Police Service is extending its timeline beyond the initial conclusion date of June 3, 2024 for an undetermined length of time. The no-fly zone that was put in place in the airspace above the landfill has also been extended for the duration of the search.
An update on the search will be provided upon its conclusion or as information becomes relevant. Anyone with information relating to the investigation or ongoing search is asked to contact police directly at 306-975-8300 or report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.