Overview

• Edmonton homicide investigators shifted to the Carrot Creek corridor about 160 km west of the city, deploying cadaver dogs, drones and specialized teams, and asked the public to avoid the area.
• A tip that came together over the past five days was deemed compelling enough to redeploy resources and move from a previously broader search zone to the current site.
• Police believe the teen’s remains are likely on land in a wooded area close to a road or trail, often within 50 to 100 feet, consistent with offender behavior research.
• With winter approaching, investigators caution any remains may be skeletal and urge landowners and users in the corridor to check properties, noting crews plan to work there over the next week.
• Samuel Bird was last seen June 1 in west Edmonton; a friend’s duplex linked to the case was searched in September and later hit by a “highly suspicious” fire.