RCMP say an autopsy has been completed on the human remains found on a deserted island off Powell River, but they still don't know the cause of death.
"We haven't got any information from the coroner," said Sgt. Rod Wiebe, the spokesman for Powell River RCMP. "Given the state of decomposition, I'm going to assume there are several other tests that need to be done."
A boater discovered human remains Sunday on Harwood Island, an uninhabited area that is part of the Sliammon First Nations reserve.
Wiebe would not speculate how long the remains were there.
Powell River RCMP have been tight-lipped about the case, saying only that it was considered a suspicious death. Foul play has not been ruled out.
Staff Sgt. Andy Brinton, Powell River detachment commander, said Tuesday his investigators were awaiting autopsy results.
"So it's kind of in a holding pattern right now," Brinton said. "We kind of have to sit on any information until we're sure where this is going."
Brinton said investigators could not determine whether the body was male or female. He wouldn't comment on how long the remains might have been on the shore or if there was evidence of foul play.
Mounties are talking to the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, but the team of experienced homicide detectives will only be called onto the case if the victim is from the Lower Mainland.
"We're offering assistance and resources by telephone," said IHIT spokeswoman Sgt. Jennifer Pound.
