Through forensic evidence, EPS Homicide Section has determined that John Gearhart, 37, was responsible for Roach’s death. Gearhart was found dead on Thursday, October 22, 2015 in Spruce Grove, Alberta and his death is considered non-criminal. The cause of death was a stab wound.
No charges will be laid as the suspect is deceased. This homicide file has been concluded.
This was Edmonton’s 18th homicide in 2015.
Background
On Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015, EMS contacted EPS just before 4 p.m. regarding a suspicious death of a female in the area of 130 Avenue and 123 Street.
The Edmonton Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy on Patricia Roach, 54, on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015. The Edmonton Police Service Homicide Section deemed the manner of death a homicide.