Disappearance of Merritt, B.C., man deemed 'suspicious' by RCMP

RCMP have deemed the disappearance of a Merritt, B.C., man missing since February as "suspicious."

Miguel Mackwas last seen on Feb. 27. He wasreported missing on March 3 when family had notseen or heard from him for several days.

On Thursday, RCMPsaid investigators from the Southeast District Major Crime Unit had been called to support the investigation.

"These investigators, having had the opportunity to review all pieces of the investigation, can now confirm that Mr. Mack's disappearance is being investigated as suspicious and involves criminality," reads an RCMP statement.

Brother Elijah Mack says family and friends have been searching for Miguel since he went missing. Hesays volunteers have covered much of the Nicola Valley and the search has reachedas far as Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, Victoria, Bella Coola and Prince George.

"That's just the help of friends putting up posters, keeping an eye out pretty much everywhere," Elijah said.

Elijah describes his younger brother as an athlete with a love for soccer, basketball, and slo-pitch.

"He's a very hard person to crack but once you got to know him, he's just got a heart of gold," he said.

Elijah said Thursday marked his 27th birthday and "the only thing I could ask for is Miguelto come home."

"There's no script on how to deal with the grief of what we are going through," he said.

Mack is described as a 24-year-oldNuxalk man,five-foot-10, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a burgundy hoodie, dark pants and a toque.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact RCMP.