In the early evening of Monday, Apr. 24, 2023, 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. 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. At this time, the eight-year-old girl has not yet been located, but is believed to be deceased. Multiple EPS units have since been engaged and are working closely with external agency partners, including the RCMP, to locate her and investigate her death. An organized search is currently being coordinated outside of the city.
On Thursday, Apr. 27, 2023, Homicide Section arrested an adult female and an adult male in relation to the child’s death. The 27-year-old female was charged with first degree murder and indignity to a dead body. The 66-year-old male was charged with accessory to first degree murder and indignity to a dead body. 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. Both individuals were known to the girl.
“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 Colin Leathem with EPS Homicide Section. “We would also like to thank our external agency partners, in particular the RCMP, who immediately came forward to assist.”
To protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, this is all the information available at this time. An update will be provided when there is more information to share.