RCMP Major Crimes Unit investigating Athabasca homicide - Update

October 28, 2026 - Edmonton, Alberta
From: Alberta RCMP

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Edmonton – Charges have been laid in the kidnapping and death of a 12-year-old Edmonton resident found murdered in a rural area of Calling Lake, Alta.

At approximately 3:22 a.m., Aug. 6, 2026, Athabasca RCMP received a 911 call from an unknown individual who told the operator they’d been kidnapped and was injured. Members arrived on scene and located a stolen vehicle from Edmonton with evidence of an attack. 

At approximately 9 a.m., a search of the area revealed the remains of an adolescent, who was later identified. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Edmonton deemed the manner of death a homicide.

On Oct. 24, 2026, search warrants were executed and three suspects were arrested in residences throughout Edmonton.

A 34-year-old, and a 36-year-old both residents of Edmonton, have each been charged with:

• Kidnapping; and
• First degree murder

A 36-year-old resident of Edmonton, has been charged with:

• Second degree murder

All three have been remanded into custody and appeared in Athabasca Court of Justice on Oct. 26, 2026. Their next court date is Nov. 9, 2026, in Athabasca.

“A 12-year-old child did not deserve to be lured from their home and murdered. Whatever challenges or choices may have led to his untimely death, he was still a child with a future ahead of him,” said Sgt. James McConnel of the Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit. “This was a cruel and heartbreaking act, and our thoughts remain with his loved ones as they grieve an unimaginable loss.”

More than 100 RCMP officers were involved in this investigation. Alberta RCMP Major Crimes wish to thank their colleagues in Digital Forensic Services, Emergency Response, our Crime Reduction Units, Tactical Support Group, Interview Assistance and the Forensic Identification Section – to name a few.

With more than 60 police personnel involved in the search warrants, the Alberta RCMP would like to thank the Edmonton Police Service and the Alberta Sheriffs for helping to safely effect the arrest of the three suspects. 

Associated links

• RCMP Major Crimes Unit investigating Athabasca homicide

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