Police release enhanced photo of alleged McArthur victim

*WARNING: This article contains a graphic image*

Toronto police have released an enhanced photo of one of accused serial killer Bruce McArthur’s alleged victims.

Police say the man was dead when the picture was taken and have not officially confirmed how they obtained the photo.

While the image, released on Monday, was already touched up, LGBTQ activist Nicki Ward, experienced in graphic arts, offered to further enhance the image in an attempt to make the man more recognizable.

The new image (below) appears to have subtle differences, including darker hair and skin colour as well as a slimmer face.

The head shot of a bearded middle-aged man with his eyes partially closed was released on Monday when police announced finding the remains of a seventh individual linked to McArthur. Police took the unprecedented step in a bid to solicit clues and tips from the public.

Retired Toronto police detective Jim Downs says the rare move by police could suggest that McArthur is not cooperating with them.

“This is their … Hail Mary pass, if you will, to try and identify that individual by way of the public,” he says. “I’m assuming obviously because they’ve gone to the public in this manner that (McArthur) was not cooperating”

Police have not commented on any interactions with McArthur thus far.

Det.-Sgt. Hank Idsinga says the man in the photo has not been identified yet, but police have received numerous tips since Monday. Idsinga said some tips can be easily investigated and concluded, but they have received some others that require a lot more work.

The public is encouraged to continue calling and sending tips to the police if they recognize the man in the photo or have any other information regarding the case.