Officials: Suitcase pulled from water in October held remains of Canadian

BELLINGHAM — Law enforcement officials have confirmed that a suitcase pulled from Ross Lake in October contained the remains of a Canadian resident.

Staff Sgt. Kris Clark, senior media relations officer for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, confirmed last week that the body is that of a Canadian resident.

Two fishermen discovered the suitcase, and the investigation was originally headed by the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, with the possible remains handed over to the Whatcom medical examiner.

When the remains were identified as human and as those of a Canadian resident, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police took over the investigation. It is unclear when this happened.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police told The Herald only that the victim has been identified and confirmed to be a Canadian resident.

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office also did not confirm when the victim was identified or when the investigation was turned over to Canadian officials.