RCMP say they are investigating the homicide of a 12-year-old Edmonton boy after remains were found in a rural area of northern Alberta.

In a news release on Sunday, police said Athabasca RCMP officers responded to a report of human remains found on Thursday, Aug. 6, just before 3:30 a.m.

Police said an autopsy was completed on Friday at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Edmonton, and the boy’s manner of death was deemed a homicide. 

RCMP Cpl. Gina Slaney told CBC News in an interview that the boy had not been reported missing to police prior to Thursday, and his family has been notified of his death.

Police said investigators are seeking the public’s assistance with the case.

“If you were around Highway 813 near Calling Lake or Range Road 213A (referred to as the ‘C-Road’), on Aug. 6, 2026, between 12 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., and have dash cam video, please contact Athabasca RCMP,” the news release said.

Calling Lake is located more than 200 kilometres north of Edmonton.

The RCMP Major Crimes Unit is investigating the incident.