Body of Missing Minto Man Found, RCMP Investigate as Homicide

The New Brunswick RCMP says the death of a 27-year-old man from Minto, N.B. whose body was found two months after he went missing, is now being investigated as a homicide.

On March 31 at around 7 p.m., the New Brunswick RCMP Major Crime Unit located a body in a wooded area off a snowmobile trail between Minto and Chipman, according to Cpl. Hans Ouellette. Members of the West District RCMP, Forensic Identification Services, Police Dog Services, and the New Brunswick Coroner's office assisted with the recovery of the body.

Police say the individual has since been identified as 27-year-old Brandon Donelan of Minto, who was reported missing on January 30. The investigation has determined the man's death was the result of a homicide.

Donelan was last seen during the evening hours of January 27 in Red Bank, N.B. An extensive search continued in the weeks following his disappearance.

Woman Arrested in Minto Area

As part of the ongoing investigation, police executed a search warrant on Monday at a residence on Wasson Road in Newcastle Creek, near Minto. RCMP say a woman was arrested at the residence on an unrelated matter and was later released pending a future court appearance.

Police remain in the area as they continue their investigation. Anyone with information that could be helpful in the investigation is asked to contact the RCMP's Major Crime Unit at 1-888-506-RCMP (7267). Information can also be provided anonymously through New Brunswick Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Donelan had been sentenced in 2017 to 3 ½ years in prison for the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl.

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