On Friday, April 5, 2019, at approximately 2:45 a.m., EPS Downtown Division patrol members responded to a trouble unknown call near 92 Street and 110 Avenue. Upon arrival, police discovered a significant amount of blood on the ground at the rear of the residence. Forensic investigators were called out, and an investigation was launched.
Later that same morning, RCMP Major Crimes initiated an investigation, after a body was discovered in a vehicle near Vegreville.
On Monday, April 15, 2019, DNA analysis of blood that had been collected by EPS investigators from the 110th Avenue crime scene was matched to Tristen Nicholas Morningeagle Cook-Buckle, 20.
On Thursday, April 18, 2019, the DNA analysis collected by RCMP investigators from the crime scene in Vegreville also matched the profile of Cook-Buckle, thus connecting the two crime scenes.
On Friday, April 19, 2019, autopsy results released by the Edmonton Medical Examiner confirmed the manner of death of Tristen Nicholas Morningeagle Cook-Buckle to be a homicide. Investigators are not releasing the cause of death, at this time.
The Edmonton Police Service Homicide Section has since taken the lead on the investigation.
Homicide investigators are urging anyone who may information about this homicide to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.
Every investigation is evaluated on a case by case basis. The EPS has decided to release the name of the deceased in this investigation for the following reasons: it serves an investigative purpose.