Police today said they had launched a murder investigation into the death of missing man St. Claire McDonald Augustus.

At a press conference this afternoon, Mr. Augustus was finally confirmed as the badly burned body discovered following a fire in a derelict cottage in Washington Street North, Hamilton, on Monday, April 6.

Police today said their murder inquiry was launched immediately, but they delayed naming Mr. Augustus until today as they waited for an overseas forensic expert to formally identify him.

Mr. Augustus, 55, was homeless and was known to frequent the Salvation Army on North Street. He was last seen in late February at Friswells Hill, in Devonshire.

For the full story, see tomorrow’s Royal Gazette.