Month-long search uncovers remains possibly connected to 2011 murder investigation

After a search lasting nearly a month, the RCMP found the remains of a man believed to have been murdered in 2011.

In February, the RCMP charged two people — Robert (Bob) Wesley Pich and John Robert Gregoire, both from the Baldwinton area — with kidnapping and first-degree murder in connection with the death of 64-year-old Edward (Ted) Geddes, who was last seen in April of 2011.

Police first learned of Geddes’ death when they visited his home in the Baldwinton area in mid-April of that year, and found his dog dead in the entrance. The dog’s death was not from natural causes, the RCMP said.

Geddes could not be located, so a missing person investigation was opened and his disappearance was quickly ruled suspicious by police.

The case went cold, but efforts were renewed in 2021 by the RCMP’s Historical Case Unit, which ultimately led to the charges.

After the charges were laid, the search for Geddes led officers to a rural area just southwest of Baldwinton, where they located remains believed to be those of Geddes.

“While positive DNA results are needed to confirm the identity of the deceased person, investigation to date has determined the person is believed to be Edward (Ted) Geddes,” RCMP Supt. Josh Graham said in a news release Friday.

“We do not anticipate laying further charges in relation to this investigation. While we await DNA confirmation, we hope this development assists with giving Ted’s family some closure after over 10 years of wondering where he is. His loved ones have been notified and our thoughts are with them.”

Some details of the search and recovery of the remains were not shared, as the Mounties said they will be part of the ongoing court proceedings.

Pich made a court appearance Friday in North Battleford, while Gregoire is scheduled to appear in early November.