The disappearance of Squamish resident and actor Stew McLean has turned into a homicide investigation, according to the Squamish RCMP. On May 21, police said their investigation had advanced after they uncovered evidence suggesting McLean was the victim of homicide during their ongoing efforts to locate him.
The announcement marked a major shift in a case that had initially centered on McLean’s disappearance. Police said the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team took over the file on May 20 and is now leading the probe, while Squamish RCMP continues to work alongside the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team and the Integrated Forensic Identification Service to move the investigation forward.
The development has prompted an outpouring of concern and disbelief from people who knew McLean in the local community. Neighbors described him as a familiar and valued presence in Squamish, where he was known for his warm personality and regular interactions with those around him. One resident, Russ Meiklejohn, told CBC that he could not imagine anyone wanting to hurt McLean. Meiklejohn’s wife, Dorothy, said McLean would always greet her with a big hug whenever they crossed paths.
Dorothy Meiklejohn said the news has been especially difficult because McLean was more than just a neighbor; he was part of the social fabric of the area. She said he was deeply connected to the small community and played an important role in it. The uncertainty surrounding his disappearance and the confirmation that the case is now being treated as a homicide has left many residents shaken.
McLean’s connection to the entertainment industry has also drawn attention to the case. Lucas Talent Inc., the agency that said it represented the Arrow actor, posted about the situation on Facebook and asked the public to help spread the word. The agency wrote that it was concerned about its client and directed people to share information related to the case.
As the investigation continues, police have not publicly released additional details about possible suspects, motives, or the circumstances that led investigators to believe McLean died as a result of homicide. The RCMP has emphasized that the file remains active and that investigators are working with forensic specialists to gather and analyze evidence.
The case has become a source of alarm in Squamish, where residents are grappling with the loss of a man many say was friendly, generous, and well known in the neighborhood. What began as a missing person inquiry is now being pursued as a suspected homicide, with investigators seeking answers about how McLean disappeared and what happened in the days before police made their announcement.
