Remains of man missing since 2012 recently discovered
Human remains were found in Guelph’s north end on Monday, Oct. 13. The discovery sparked an investigation by the Guelph Police, and officers revealed that the remains belonged to an unidentified male on Tuesday, Oct. 14. On Wednesday, Oct. 15, the remains were sent to Toronto for further analysis.
After being taken to Toronto for analysis, the remains were identified – through dental records – as belonging to Wayne Rutledge, an Orangeville native who was last seen in December 2012.
According to Jane Codd, Rutledge’s stepmother, the 37-year-old male left Ontario in his early 20s, looking for work and adventure. Eventually returning to Orangeville, he graduated from the Police Foundations program at Sheridan College in Brampton before making his way to Guelph.
Codd described Rutledge as a man who enjoyed taking part in the Lorne Scott’s Army Cadet Corps when he was growing up. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Rutledge struggled with an alcohol addiction, working through Guelph’s Homewood Health Centre to find treatment. A lack of availability in nearby facilities prevented Rutledge from finding the help he desired.
“We really would like to see an improvement in the addictions and mental health available for people,” said Codd in an interview with the Guelph Mercury. “We really don’t want to see another family go through something like this.”
Rutledge was reported missing to the Guelph Police on Dec. 16, 2012, and a series of searches were conducted in 2012 and 2013. Canine units from Guelph Police, as well as Ontario Provincial Police officers, were called in to assist with the search efforts.
It was an anonymous tip that allowed police officers to find Rutledge’s body, explained Detective Constable Jeff Taylor. Taylor has been investigating the case since it first began.
Police suspect no foul play in Rutledge’s death.