Cape Breton police say the death of Justin MacDonald was a homicide.

They says the Medical Examiner’s Office identified the remains, which were found near Morley Road on Monday.

Ken MacDonald, Justin’s father, and another man were searching in the area, when Ken spotted a shirt and sandal that looked familiar.

They also found a skull nearby. Ken told our newsroom that he and his wife, Peggy MacDonald, thought the remains had to be their son’s.

And in an emotional video on social media, they called for justice for his murder.

The 34-year-old was last seen at an Irving gas station in North Sydney on July 7, 2024.

Three men were charged in the case in December.