Search for missing teen has been suspended, family says
The search for a missing teen last seen more than a week ago in Winnipeg has been suspended after a body that has yet to be identified was found.
The sister of Inuka Gunathilaka confirmed to CTV News on Thursday that the search for her brother has been suspended.
His family last saw their 16-year-old son on May 24 as he headed off to school. Since then a desperate search by friends and family has been underway to find the boy.
However, the search party which organized a Facebook group, announced in a post Wednesday that police had discovered a body and there are indications it may be that of Inuka's.
Udaya Annakkage, who has been organizing the search, said police are in the process of identifying the body.
"We thought the search had been going for several days, and we thought we would just hold the search and wait for the outcome of the police investigation," Udaya Annakkage, who has been organizing the search.
Inuka was seen around 8:11 a.m. on May 24 at Fort Richmond Collegiate where he dropped off some books at the library and then left.
The family was able to find security pictures and videos of Inuka visiting a 7/11 and Tim Hortons that morning in the area. The search group told CTV News they were able to track Inuka's movements that morning up Pembina Highway from Killarney Avenue to Thatcher Drive.
But after that, the video trail stopped.
Annakkage said more than 200 people have been involved in the search. He said there are many mixed feelings as they await news from police.
"Some are reluctant to accept it, still having some hope that the body is not Inuka's," he said. "From my point of view, until we see confirmation from police, I don't want to come to 100 per cent acceptance."
Const. Claude Chancy, a public information officer with the Winnipeg Police Service, told CTV News on Thursday morning that police are not commenting on the case at this time.
The Winnipeg Police Service's missing persons unit has been investigating.
Inuka's family told CTV News police have contacted them, and are expected to release more details to the media.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.