Authorities in Nuku Hiva Island believe that teeth found in a camp fire match those of Stefan Ramin, the German tourist feared to be eaten by a cannibal in French Polynesia.
Despite DNA tests that will take weeks to complete, a dental file sent from Germany to Papeete, French Polynesia capital, where the charred bones were sent for analysis, shows the remains to be positively identified as of Stefan Ramin.
According to German media, the local investigators are now certain guide Henri Haiti, 31, killed, dismembered and ate Stefan Ramin.
German newspaper Bild wrote: “It is the suspicion of the authorities that the hunter carved his victim up, ate parts of the body and burned the remainder along with animals cadavers. He is regarded as a cannibal.”
Jose Thorel, prosecutor on Polynesian island Nuku Hiva, said: “It is almost certain the remains we found in the fire are those of Stefan Ramin.”
Local authorities have intensified the hunt for Henri Haiti on the island of Nuku Hiva. But the guide knowledge of the bushland, where authorities say he led Stefan Ramin, is unparalleled, giving Haiti a huge advantage over his pursuers.
Further examination of the site where Stefan Ramin’s remains were discovered showed how fierce the fire was that consumed him.
Leaves 25feet up show evidence of scorch marks and ash, clothes, teeth and bone fragments were found over a 35 foot radius.
Today it was confirmed the BKA (the German bureau of investigation) is now involved with French authorities in the hunt for Stefan Ramin’s killer.
Stefan Ramin, 40, from Haselau, north-west Germany was on a round-the-world trip with his girlfriend Heike Dorsch, 37, when they anchored off Nuku Hiva on September 16.
According to his girlfriend, Heike Dorsche, Stefan Ramin went off on a goat hunt with Henri Haiti – a guide registered with authorities on the island – and never returned.
Police say Henri Haiti went back to the boat to try to lure Heike Dorsch into the jungle claiming he had had an accident. Heike Dorsch was suspicious and refused to go with the guide.
Henri Haiti ended up sexually assaulting Heike Dorsch and tying her to a tree.
On Wednesday last week human remains were found in a camp fire. Among the embers were bones including a jaw bone, teeth and melted metal, believed to be fillings.
Stefan Ramin, a fanatical sailor, was a former business adviser and he kept a regular blog of his trip begun in 2008 and one of his last entries read: “I seek freedom and adventures”.
Stefan Ramin bought his catamaran Baju in Turkey and had planned to spend the next two years island hopping in the South Pacific.
Deputy Mayor of Nuku Hiva, Deborah Kimitete told local news website Les Nouvelles: “No one can believe what has happened. This has never happened here before, this is the first time, it’s horrible.”