York Regional Police say they have identified human remains more than four decades after they were found in Markham, and investigators are appealing for the public's help in a case of suspected foul play.

In a news release Friday, York police detailed the lengthy process that finally allowed them to identify the remains of William Joseph Pennell, 26, from Toronto. 

Pennell's body was found on the side of the 11th Concession, between 14th and Steeles avenues, on July 16, 1980, about a month after …