At approximately 1 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, Downtown Branch patrol officers responded to a reported sudden death at a residence in the area of 107 Avenue and 106 Street. Upon arrival, officers located a deceased male.
On Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, the Edmonton Medical Examiner completed an autopsy on the deceased, identified as Ronald Bell, 70, and determined the manner of death is homicide. For investigative reasons, the cause of death continues to be withheld at this time.
Investigators have since issued warrants for the arrest of Donn Austin Gauthier, 43, who is wanted for first degree murder, arson, indignity to a body and breach recognize in relation to Bell’s death.
Gauthier is described as 6’0” tall and weighs approximately 212 lbs. He also has multiple tattoos, including the word “Dawson” on the front of his neck. Several photos of Gauthier and his tattoos are included below.
Donn Austin Gauthier, 43
Left forearm tattoos
Left arm, wrist and hand tattoos
Left hand tattoos
Right forearm tattoo
Right hand tattoo
Anyone with information about Gauthier’s whereabouts is asked to not approach him and instead call 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.p3tips.com/250.
Homicide Section continues to investigate.
Background
On Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, police issued a news releaseasking to speak with anyone who lived in or visited Mr. Bell’s residence or noticed any activity at his residence on or about Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022. Investigators were also seeking his truck, a black 2011 GMC Sierra, that was last seen on video departing the alley between 106 Street and 107 Street and driving west on 107 Avenue at approximately 4:30 p.m. that same day.
Mr. Bell’s truck was subsequently recovered by the Calgary Police Service bearing a stolen license plate out of Spruce Grove on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, at approximately 4:20 p.m