Two Sooke Region murder investigations “remain open and active,” but police are revealing few details.
Months after the deaths of Michael Widner and Bruce Carlson, police have refused to release further details in the men’s deaths.
“Both investigations remain open and active. At this time, there is nothing new to report on either file,” said Cpl. Tammy Douglas, with the RCMP Island District.
Carlson’s remains were found inside a burned vehicle in Port Renfrew on Dec. 27 by a passerby.
Police have never said how Carlson ended up in the vehicle, though foul play is suspected.
The investigation has been ongoing between the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit, the B.C. Coroners Service and the RCMP since the body was discovered in a burned out grey 2004 Pontiac Grand AM Sedan on the Pacheedaht First Nation reserve.
The disturbing discovery comes as an odd coincidence of events after Carlson’s house, located on the Pacheedaht First Nation reserve, burned down in a suspicious fire in September 2015.
Widner’s body was found along the Pacific Marine route several kilometres from Port Renfrew on March 12 by a hiker.
His car, a black 2003 Volkswagen Golf, was found abandoned in Williams Edmonds Park, near Poirier Lake, four days earlier.
Widner, an Otter Point resident at the time of his death, had alleged links to the Hells Angels biker gang.
While Widner had no criminal record, police at the time of his death said he was under watch, though wouldn’t say for what.
In 2011, Widner was stopped by Sooke RCMP. Police found Widner possessing $4,980 in cash, 25 grams of marijuana, a hunting knife and four cellphones, which led to a suit by the B.C. Forfeiture director in 2012.
“Mr. Widner either directly participated in the selling of illegal drugs or obtained the money directly or indirectly from the sellers of illegal drugs,” the suit alleged.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 250-642-5241 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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