Police believe they have found the body of a Brockville senior after human remains were discovered behind a gas station and convenience store just north of the eastern Ontario city.

Valerie Xavier, 80, went missing more than one week ago. An autopsy will determine whether the human remains belong to the missing woman.

Police made the discovery early Wednesday morning at Mr. Gas on Highway 29 in Elizabeth-Kitley Township, just north of Brockville's city limits.

Collecting evidence

The gas station, which was blocked off by police tape, is located about five minutes from Xavier's condo. The body, which was not identifiable, was removed from the scene early Wednesday afternoon.

A police helicopter circled the area Wednesday and investigators continued to collect evidence and take photos and video of the crime scene. Police also plan to review surveillance video from the gas station.

Xavier's family told CTV Ottawa they were notified of the discovery Wednesday morning. Xavier's daughter-in-law said police told them the remains likely belong to their mother.

Accused to appear in court

A 16-year-old Brockville male was arrested for Xavier's murder on Tuesday. The teen appeared in court to face the second-degree murder charge Wednesday afternoon.

The youth was arrested in Ottawa last week in connection with the theft of Xavier's vehicle. He cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Although police have confirmed the victim and accused knew each other, they have not explained the nature of their relationship.

Xavier often took in boarders to share her two-bedroom condo. Her last boarder was a teenager.

Police, who searched several areas in and around Brockville for the past week, wouldn't say what led them to the gas station.

However, Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Kristine Rae said the discovery was based on information obtained after the teen's arrest.

A post mortem to identify the body and determine cause of death is scheduled for Friday at the Ottawa Hospital.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact investigators at 613-342-0127.

With files from CTV Ottawa's Natalie Pierosara