Aurora man who went missing nearly 4 years ago was murdered, police say

A York Regional Police cruiser is seen in this undated photo. (CTV News Toronto)

An Ontario man is facing charges after human remains located in Pickering almost four years ago were identified, and the person’s death was deemed a homicide.

On Aug. 30, 2022, the family of Roman Perelstein reported him missing. He was last seen near Bathurst Street and Orchard Heights Boulevard in the Town of Aurora several weeks earlier.

Prior to Perelstein being reported missing, police say human remains were found along a trail near Sideline 20 and Concession Road 8 in Pickering.

“No identification could be made at the time, due to the conditions of the remains,” York Regional Police said in a news release.

In March 2025, dental records helped identify the remains as those of the missing man.

Following a lengthy investigation, Suren Khizguiiaev, 49, of Harwich Township, near Chatham, Ont., was charged on May 21 with accessory after the fact to murder and indignity to a dead body. The charges have not been tested in court.

The investigation is ongoing.