Edmonton Police Treat Samuel Bird Case as Homicide, Appeal for Help Finding Remains
Investigators report social-media hoaxes have diverted resources from evidence-based leads.
Overview
- Edmonton police said they believe 14-year-old Samuel Bird is dead and that his death is criminal in nature, with no suspects in custody.
- Detectives said they believe his remains were concealed on land west or southwest of the city, released a search map, and urged landowners, hunters and outdoor users to check properties.
- A duplex near 106 Avenue and 151 Street that was searched on Sept. 18 was later damaged in a suspicious fire, and police have identified a vehicle of interest connected to that location.
- Investigators have conducted three searches using specialized personnel and canine teams and continue to narrow a target area for recovery.
- Police said Samuel was last seen around 8:30 p.m. on June 1 on surveillance video walking through a schoolyard toward a friend’s home in the Canora neighbourhood.