Lions Bay Mystery Now a Homicide

Body of missing resident Stewart McLean positively identified

Remains first located by Lions Bay Search and Rescue (LBSAR) team members on May 20 have been positively identified as belonging to local resident Stewart McLean, who was reported missing on May 18.

This afternoon, Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) spokesperson Corporal Esther Tupper released a statement on behalf of IHIT stating that evidence uncovered during the search for McLean, which began May 18, led investigators to believe he had been the victim of a homicide. In the subsequent search, McLean's remains were located in the Lions Bay area.

Tupper thanked the Integrated Police Dog Services (IPDS), the Integrated Forensic Identification Services (IFIS), and LBSAR for their assistance.

The statement says that IHIT is working with both the BC Coroners Service and IFIS to understand the circumstances that led to McLean's death. This early in the investigation, IHIT is calling the death an isolated incident.

“As the investigation continues to unfold, homicide investigators are working to collect and analyze evidence, review CCTV footage and conduct interviews to build a timeline of Mr. McLean’s activities prior to May 15, 2026,” said Tupper. “We are pursuing all available leads as we work to find answers for the family, friends and loved ones of Mr. McLean.”

Anyone with information about Stewart McLean or this investigation is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

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