After a highly publicized attempt to drum up tips on a 39-year-old crime, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have discovered the identity of a young man believed to have been murdered in 1967.
The Centre Of Forensic Sciences has confirmed that human remains found near Schomberg in 1968 are those of Richard “Dickie” Hovey of Fredericton, New Brunswick. Last month the OPP released a facial reconstruction of two bodies that were found in that era; Hovey’s was recognized by a tipster and confirmed by DNA testing of Hovey’s family.
Hovey, 17 at the time of his death, had moved to Toronto in 1966 or 1967 and was reportedly a musician in clubs in the Yorkville area until he disappeared. Police suspect he met his killer in Toronto’s gay scene.
“We are very relieved to be able to bring our brother home after years of anguish,” reads a statement by the Hovey family released by the OPP.
OPP investigators continue to look for information that could help with the identification of the second 1967 murder victim. They’re offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.
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