By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

8-years-old

Police charge 3 in relation to girl’s death after body believed found on Samson Cree

Apr 29, 2023 | 11:14 PM

Detectives with Edmonton Police Service (EPS) believe they have located the remains of a young girl on Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacis.

Earlier Saturday (April 29), with assistance from EPS Search Managers and the RCMP, the remains were found, and they are confident, EPS says, that they are of an 8-year-old girl they had been searching for.

Police say they are awaiting forensic confirmation from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, following an autopsy on May 1.

“We are grateful for the support of the RCMP and the Band leaders of Samson Cree Nation who helped facilitate the search and recovery of the remains,” says S/Sgt. Colin Leathem with the EPS Homicide Section. “This is a significant development in the investigation, but we still have a lot more work to do.”

It was Friday, April 28 when EPS announced it had charged two adults in relation to the death of an 8-year-old girl.

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In addition to the 66-year-old man and 27-year-old woman who were charged earlier this week, a 25-year-old man has also been charged with accessory after the fact to murder and causing indignity to a dead body in relation to the death of an 8-year-old girl.

The name of the child and the names of the adults are being withheld at this time to protect the identity of other children related to the deceased. All accused were known to the girl.

EPS had also stated Friday that it was in the early evening of Monday, April 24, when West Branch patrol officers responded to a check on welfare call in relation to a child at a residence in the area of 87 Avenue and 165 Street, in Edmonton. Upon arrival, members were unable to locate the child and began investigating.

Given the suspicious circumstances, Homicide Section took over the investigation early the next morning, and an organized search began outside of the city.

The first two people charged were arrested on April 27.

“This was a fluid and fast-moving investigation, and we’d like to thank the family for their cooperation as they navigate this tragic and unfathomable loss,” says Staff Sergeant Leathem. “We would also like to thank our external agency partners, in particular the RCMP, who immediately came forward to assist.”

Further updates will be provided on Monday following the autopsy. No further information is available at this time.