News release

Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit investigate homicide in St.Albert

January 29, 2026 - St. Albert, Alberta
From: Alberta RCMP

Content

St. Albert, Alta. – On Jan 23, 2026, St. Albert RCMP received a report of a suspicious item in an apartment in the area of Rivercrest Crescent. Upon arrival, officers located the human remains of deceased woman. The Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit was deployed and took carriage of the investigation supported by the Edmonton Forensic Identification Section and St. Alberta RCMP General Investigation Section. 

The deceased was taken to the Edmonton Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and the remains are believed to belong to 23-year-old Ayla Egotik-Learn. 

Early in this investigation, RCMP became aware that Ayla’s 9-month-old daughter Braylee Beasley was missing. This significantly increased the urgency as efforts focused on ensuring Braylee’s safety. Officers quickly identified a suspect and on Jan. 27, 2026, officers arrested St. Albert resident 33-year-old Chrsitopher William Beasley at a hotel in St. Albert.

Christopher Beasley has been charged with; 

• Indignity to a body (x2);
• Second-degree-murder.

Christopher Beasley has been taken before a Justice of the Peace and remanded into custody with his next court date set for February 2^nd 2026, at the Alberta Court of Justice in St. Albert.

Currently, RCMP have reason to believe that Braylee is deceased. The charge of second-degree murder pertains to the death of Ayla. The charges of indignity to a body pertains to both Ayla and Braylee. 

RCMP continue efforts to locate the remains of Braylee. We do have some understanding of where Braylee ‘s remains are located and we are not asking for public assistance in the search currently. 

“This investigation saw the rapid deployment of experienced investigators performing hundreds of individual tasks in a short period of time,” said Inspector Wayne Stevenson Operations Officer Alberta RCMP Serious Crime Branch. “These tasks included working with the Medical Examiner, conducting interviews, gathering forensic evidence, obtaining judicial authorizations, and more. I thank our officers for their continued commitment to this and other investigations that truly make a difference. 

“Being the Officer in charge of the Serious Crimes Branch, investigations like this are a reminder that every successful investigation begins with a tragedy.  A woman and her child should be planning tomorrow, not being mourned today. I am deeply saddened for this family and extend my heartfelt condolences to all those that loved them.“

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