Six years later, suspect charged with murder of Victoria man Richard ‘Blair’ Young

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Six years after the mysterious disappearance and murder of Richard “Blair” Young, a suspect has finally been apprehended, offering a glimmer of hope for justice and closure for Young’s family.

Joseph “Bob” Gelineau was taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder and indignity to human remains, Victoria Police announced in a news release Wednesday night.

Details like when and where he was arrested, or why police have identified him as Young’s alleged murderer, were not included in VicPD’s news release.

“Joseph ‘Bob’ Gelineau’s arrest and appearance before the court brings to a close many of VIIMCU and VicPD’s investigative efforts,” the department said in its statement. “Further details about this investigation cannot be shared at this time as the matter is now before the courts.”

Young was last seen leaving his apartment in Victoria on Feb. 8, 2017, and was reported missing on Feb. 14, 2017.

FROM 2017: Police say persons of interest identified in two-year-old homicide in Malahat area

Due to the suspicious nature of Young’s disappearance, the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) assumed leadership of the investigation, ultimately determining that Young’s death was a homicide.

Described at the time of his disappearance as a “gentleman, father, and stepfather who made efforts to provide help and assistance to his loved ones,” Young maintained daily contact with his family until he vanished.

Notably, Young had no known criminal history or ties to unlawful activities but authorities have stated that they don’t believe the murder was a random act.

Investigators later acquired video footage of Young leaving his apartment building on Feb. 8, 2017, amidst heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures in Victoria. In the footage, Young was seen wearing only a light jacket, leading investigators to believe that he did not intend to spend an extended period outdoors or be away for long.

The remains of the 72-year-old were eventually discovered less than a month after he went missing on March 2, 2017, near a rest stop along the Malahat.

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