The Calgary Police Service (CPS) pressed charges in the disappearance of Vida Smith, who was last seen in Chestermere.
After investigation, it was determined Smith was the victim of a homicide.
Smith travelled from Calgary to Chestermere on July 21, to meet with friend, Kevin Barton.
After she did not return home and missed an appointment, her family contacted RCMP to report her missing.
On July 30, investigators located Barton, took him into custody, and searched a residence related to the investigation.
Smith’s vehicle was also recovered, for which police were previously searching.
At this time, detectives have exhausted the investigation based on evidence, and believe Smith was killed.
Barton has been charged with one count of manslaughter and is scheduled to appear in court.
Investigators believe an argument between a man and woman inside a white SUV parked at the Sunridge ATB may be related to the investigation.
The argument occurred on July 21, between 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Anyone who may have witnessed this is asked to contact the police or Crime Stoppers.
The investigation is currently ongoing, and the CPS are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Smith’s remains.
It is believed that Barton travelled between Calgary and Edmonton on July 22, and police are encouraging anyone who may have seen anything suspicious to contact the police.
“In addition to searching for Vida’s remains, we are still investigating possible motives,” said Staff Sergeant Martin Schiavetta of the CPS Homicide Unit.
“Our condolences go out to Vida’s family and we are committed to finding them answers,” he said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling the CPS non-emergency line at 403-266-1234, or the Homicide Tip Line at 403-428-8877.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or www.calgarycrimestoppers.org.
