RCMP end search for clues in Moncton area in Brayden Thibault case

New Brunswick RCMP and Tri-County Ground Search and Rescue spent much of Saturday in Monctonsearching for evidenceinthe disappearance of BraydenThibault.

Much of theeffortfocused on an area aroundl'Universit de Moncton, a post to the New Brunswick RCMP Facebook page said.

Thibault was 17 when he was last seen July 31, 2017, on Gibson Street on Fredericton's north side.

On Tuesday,New Brunswick RCMP said his disappearance is now being investigated as a homicide. His body has never been found.

Cpl. Jullie Rogers-Marsh, speaking for New Brunswick RCMP earlier this week, wouldn't say what police had learned to declare the matter a homicide, saying the force has to avoid jeopardizing the investigation.

Rogers-Marsh said Tuesday themajor crime unit wouldbe conducting searches for clues as to Thibault'sdisappearance in "areas of interest" in coming weeks.

Thibault's mother,Amanda Frigault, was told in September 2017 that police believed her son was dead. Police toldthe public at that time Thibault's disappearance was suspicious.

On Saturday, RCMP Staff Sgt. Andr Pepin said it is not expected that the search will be renewed in the Moncton area on Sunday.

He did not disclose whether Saturday's search was prompted by new leads, but renewed the call for anyone who knows what may have happened to Thibault to come forward by contacting the RCMP's major crime unit or Crime Stoppers.

"We know there's people who know what happened to Brayden and where his remains would be," Pepin said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the New Brunswick RCMP's major crime unit at 506-452-4252. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers Secure Web Tips atwww.crimenb.caor by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).