KAMLOOPS — For the first time today, the public is being made aware of a Kamloops homicide that took place seven months ago.
RCMP say the remains of 52 year old Robert Leslie Gair of Kamloops were found in the area of Robbins Range Road, south of Barnhartvale last fall.
Police believe Gair was murdered on or around September 13, 2016.
RCMP have yet to make an arrest in the killing.
As the remains were found outside the jurisdiction of Kamloops RCMP, the homicide is being investigated by the Southeast District Major Crime Unit.
Cpl. Dan Moskaluk says early in the investigation, police determined the murder was not a random act, and that there was no public safety risk.
Moskaluk says the homicide was kept quiet in order to preserve the integrity of the investigation.
“We were able to determine very early on that there was no risk to the public, which was one of the precursors as to where we determine what can be released on an investigation, and at what point in time in the investigation it can be released,” said Moskaluk.
“The publication of information with respect to Mr. Gair’s death, and the determination that it was, in fact, a homicide, had not been made public at this point given the nature of the investigation.”
“It’s not uncommon for an investigation to not be made public, depending on its nature. Again, at this point in time there’s careful consideration as to what can be released and when it’s released.”
He adds police have maintained contact with Gair’s family since the investigation began.
CFJC Today spoke briefly with the victim’s brother, Ron Gair, who told us he was not close with his brother.
Ron Gair says the family was told of Robert’s death on October 6, but they only learned today where his remains were found.
An obituary published to CFJC Today describes Robert Gair as having grown up in Kamloops, working in the auto body and auto glass industries.
The obituary says the victim was married and had two children, a daughter and a son.
Today, police are asking for information from the public.
If you know anything about the murder of Robert Gair, you are asked to call the Southeast District Major Crime Unit at 250-469-7800 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
“His murder occurred on or about September 13, 2016, so if there’s somebody that might have information, or is aware of any timeline of his activities preceding that date, that would be the type of thing that would be helpful for investigators,” said Moskaluk.
