Human remains found outside Butte in 2012 identified

BUTTE, Mont. — A pair of human legs found north of Butte on Moulton Reservoir Road in 2012 was identified as 46-year-old Michael Wayne Canada.

Two men found the pair of human legs on the side of the road on June 26, 2012, just north of Walkerville.

"Investigators pursued all leads to identify the unknown man. Despite extensive efforts from investigators, the man’s identity remained a mystery. The Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department then partnered with the Montana Department of Justice (MTDOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) to assist in the identification of the man. Together, the agencies decided to attempt forensic genetic genealogy to generate new leads in an otherwise cold case," according to the release.

The following was sent out by Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department:

On June 26, 2012, human remains were found in a bag on the side of Moulton Reservoir Road north of Butte, Montana. The Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department responded to the scene and discovered two human legs inside of the bag. Upon further investigation, BSBLED detectives noted that socks and Red Wing brand hiking shoes were present on both feet and the remnants of blue jeans were present on one of the legs. While the remains were in the beginning stages of decomposition, investigators were able to determine the legs likely belonged to a white male. Detectives believe that the victim died at another location, with his remains later being left near Moulton Reservoir Road. No other remains of the individual were ever located.

An autopsy was performed by Montana State Forensic Science Division Pathologist Dr. Willy Kemp. The autopsy also determined that the decedent suffered a substantial previous injury that resulted in the surgical placement of a metal rod into one of his legs.

In March 2013, the case information was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP11036. Investigators pursued all leads to identify the unknown man. Despite extensive efforts from investigators, the man’s identity remained a mystery. The Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department then partnered with the Montana Department of Justice (MTDOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) to assist in the identification of the man. Together, the agencies decided to attempt forensic genetic genealogy to generate new leads in an otherwise cold case.

Investigators sent forensic evidence to Othram's laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas. Othram produced a DNA extract that was suitable for testing and then Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing was utilized to build a comprehensive DNA profile. Othram's in-house genealogy team used the DNA profile to perform genetic genealogy research. Working collaboratively, the law enforcement agencies reached out to possible relatives of the unknown man and slowly pieced together the man's probable identity. MTDOJ DCI Agents contacted relatives of the man and collected a reference DNA swab from a close relative for DNA testing. The reference DNA sample was compared to the profile for the unknown man. These test results and a follow up investigation suggested that the man found in 2012 was in fact 46-year-old Michael Wayne Canada. Additional reference DNA testing was completed by the Montana State Crime Lab and the man's identity was officially established by Montana State Forensic Science Division Pathologist Dr. Willy Kemp.

Canada, who was known to be a drifter, had not been in touch with his family for at least two years prior to his death in 2012. Canada was born August 22, 1965, and was 46 years old at the time of his death. As part

of the investigation, investigators learned that Canada had previously been involved in a serious motorcycle accident resulting in a metal rod being placed into his leg. Canada was never reported as a missing person.

It is believed that Canada was living in Butte for a short time just prior to his death and he may have been employed briefly at one of the local Safeway Stores. We are asking for assistance from anyone who had contact with Canada or may know the identity of anyone associated with Canada.

A photo taken in 2007 and the physical descriptors of Micheal Canada are included below:

The investigation into Canada’s death is ongoing. If anyone has information about the circumstances surrounding the death of Michael Wayne Canada, please contact Agent Ryan Eamon with the Montana Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation at (406) 444-3874 or Butte, MT Field Office at (406)-691-7108 or Captain Jeff Williams of the Butte Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department at (406) 497-1157 or Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Dispatch at (406) 497-1120.

Reference Michael Wayne Canada homicide investigation- case number MC-13-06-07.