RCMP have made arrests in the 2003 disappearance of Dauphin resident Derek James Kembel, 25.
Kembel's family reported him missing on March 10, 2003.
Officers arrested Christopher Robin Shewchuk, 29, of the RM of Mountain on Sunday, said RCMP. He has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Kembel's disappearance.
"I'm told there wasn't any formal acquaintance between the two. They weren't known to each other for any length of time or to any degree," said Const. Miles Hiebert, a spokesperson for RCMP.
Officers also arrested 60-year-old Thomas Ronald Shewchuk, who is Christopher's father. Thomas Shewchuk has been charged with accessory after the fact to murder.
People who live in the RM of Mountain, near Winnipegosis, said RCMP blocked off an area road on Sunday and Monday. CTV News has learned a farm along the road where officers were searching belongs to the Shewchuk family.
"Searches have been made in various locations throughout the Dauphin area and Winnipegosis area as part of the investigation. I can't speak to the specifics but I can say our searches have been concluded at this time," said Const. Hiebert.
Police won't say whether they have recovered Kembel's body, but they say evidence gathered in the investigation supports the charges that have been laid. Kembel was last seen leaving a Dauphin bar on the evening of Feb. 28, 2003.
On Tuesday afternoon, Derek Kembel's family issued a statement.
"Derek was very much loved by his friends and family. We are thankful for the prayers and concerns given us at this difficult time, and request that our privacy be respected," said the family's statement.
- with a report from CTV's Josh Crabb
