Edmonton Police seek public assistance in locating missing teen’s remains

The Edmonton Police Service’s (EPS) Homicide Section is asking landowners and outdoor enthusiasts frequenting areas west of the city to be on the lookout for the remains of a missing 14-year-old boy who is now presumed deceased.

Samuel Bird was seen in surveillance footage on the grounds of Holy Cross School on June 1. Afterward, he reportedly visited a friend’s residence in the area of 150 Street and 106 Avenue, where he was last seen.

Some time after police conducted a search warrant at this residence in September, officers responded to a suspicious fire at the residence. Though it’s not confirmed to be connected to the Samuel Bird investigation, the fire is being treated as suspicious.

On Oct. 1, EPS announced the missing teen is presumed deceased and his death is believed to be criminal in nature. They believe the suspect or suspects involved in his disappearance may have disposed of his body within a 150 km range west of Edmonton, and that it would have occurred within a short time of his disappearance on June 1.

Authorities have provided a map of the area they believe Bird’s remains may be concealed, which includes Drayton Valley and Cynthia, and just borders Lodgepole.

(Edmonton Police Services/Supplied)

“We believe Samuel’s body was disposed of on land, and that steps were taken to conceal the body to avoid detection,” says primary investigator Det. Jared Buhler, with the EPS Homicide Section. “We are appealing to the public, and in particular, landowners, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who may frequent rural areas to be on the lookout for Samuel’s remains.”

Police have conducted three searches with specialized personnel and canine resources so far, and say they continue to target a specific area they believe remains may be located. Additional searches may occur as required.

Anyone with information about Samuel Bird’s disappearance is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.