Police think remains found of man missing since '97

Just days after a murder charge signalled a break in a cold case, Regina police now believe they've located the man's remains.

Dr. Patrick Cyril Thauberger was last seen by family on Sept. 3, 1997 and was reported missing later that month. The investigation remained open as a cold case, leading on Sunday to a first-degree murder charge being laid against Patrick's 78-year-old brother, Joseph George Thauberger.

On Friday, police announced yet another break, stating they'd located human remains on Thursday believed to be those of 53-year-old Patrick.

As the investigation remains ongoing, police are tight-lipped about details surrounding the discovery, including how and specifically where the remains were found.

Members of the Regina Police Service and the Saskatchewan Coroners Service were involved in the recovery process.

“The recovery was made in rural Saskatchewan and is subject to further investigation and forensic examination to confirm (the) belief (this is Patrick),” police said. “Family members have been notified of this development.”

Joseph, who operated farm land of his own as well as Patrick's according to estate documents, remains in custody on the murder charge, as well as charges of offering an indignity to human remains and uttering threats to an adult female between 1997 and 2014. Joseph is scheduled to return to court on Monday.

His defence lawyer has cited Joseph's age and “precarious” health as reasons he wants bail pending the outcome of his charges.

According to previously released information, Patrick passed through Regina while taking two cars to auction in the United States. He visited with family, and Joseph reportedly said he dropped Patrick off at the bus depot on Sept. 3, following his return from the U.S.

Patrick, a psychologist, lived in St. Albert, Alta., and was to return there, but never got on the bus.

Police said “comprehensive investigative efforts occurred throughout the past 23 years” in the search for answers.

In one investigative twist, the case led to the discovery of a marijuana grow-op east of Regina and drug charges against Joseph in 2016.