Body found in Prince George park

Mounties in Prince George, B.C., are investigating after a body was found in apark.

RCMP Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said human remains were found in the LC Gunn Park area late Friday evening.

A large area of the park was cordoned off on Sunday as investigators conducted a ground search of the park and nearby foot trails.

"At this time, we can confirm that the body is that of a female. Numerous investigational resources from the Prince George RCMP General Investigation Section and RCMP North District Major Crimes Unit are involved at this point," he said.

Moskaluk saidthe park is known to be frequented by sex trade workers.

"The death of this female is being considered as suspicious and is being investigated as such," he said in a written release.

"We are dealing with human remains with a degree of decomposition and not skeletal remains, therefore a complete forensic examination to establish age and identity is needed We anticipate that an autopsy will be conductedearly this coming week."

Three women have been reported missingin Prince George in recent months, including Louise Elizabeth Still, 45, an aboriginal woman, who has not been seen since Oct. 3, Cynthia Frances Maas, 35, an aboriginal woman who was last seen Sept. 10, and Natasha Lynn Montgomery, 23, a Caucasian woman originally from Quesnel who hasn't been seen since late August.

Police have stated that the body found in the park does not match Still.

In light of the recent disappearances, Moskaluk said police are putting a lot of resources into the investigation.

"Everybody is sensitive to the fact as to what we have had going on with several investigations regarding missing persons in the province and in the area," he said.

"We're certainly front-loading this investigation with the proper resources and numerous resources."

Moskaluk said theMounties have dedicated extra resources to patrolling public areas inPrince Georgeand outlying areas since late September as a result of themissing persons investigations.

"The purpose of these patrols have also been in efforts to further establish a public outreach with those who are more vulnerable persons in our community," he said.

Anyone with information can contact the Prince George RCMP at 250-861-3200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.