Detective Inspector Paul Thomas told The Sunday Gleaner that while there was speculation that the body was that of the missing soldier, the police were awaiting the results of DNA tests in order to confirm the identity of the deceased.
On Friday, passers-by stumbled on the body of a male which fitted the description of Saunders. According to the police, the clothing said to have been worn by the soldier when he was last seen is the basis for their investigation.
On the day in question, Saunders was at home in Kitson Town, St Catherine, when he was called outside. He reportedly boarded a motor car which drove away and he has not been seen since. The Sunday Gleaner learnt that Saunders, who was attached to the Moneague Camp in St Ann, was to take part in the royal visit of the King and Queen of Spain in February.
Meanwhile, police investigators said they were following a good lead in the case, which they hoped to bring to closure soon.
rasbert.turner@gleanerjm.com