KANANASKIS – The suspected double homicide case that started in Calgary has now potentially extended to the eastern portion Kananaskis Country.
Investigators are asking anyone in the east Kananaskis, Bragg Creek, Elbow Falls and/or Priddis area who may have seen signs of a suspicious fire between April 16 to 20 in an unusual area, not in a designated fire pit, to contact police.
“Through the investigation police believe the suspect may have attempted to destroy evidence related to the homicide by means of burning ... the search of the Bragg Creek area will resume once the snow accumulation has melted,” said Calgary Police Service (CPS) Staff Sgt. Martin Schiavetta. “Members of the public are advised not to attempt a search on their own during this time period, as it could result in accidental destruction of evidence under the snow.”
Jasmine Lovett, 25, and her 22-month old daughter Aliyah Sanderson were last seen on April 16 in the Cranston neighbourhood in Calgary. Nine days later, CPS officials said the investigation was being treated as a potential double homicide that was not suspected to be random, as it is believed the suspect and victims knew each other.
“Thank you to everyone who is helping in the search for Jasime and Aliyah,” wrote the Lovett family in a statement. “Our hearts are shattered and we continue to seek answers to the questions many of you are asking.
“If anyone has any information about this case, we beg of you to please contact police. We are not ready to speak publicly and request our privacy during this extremely difficult time.”
Investigators have also asked anyone who may have witnessed a Caucasian man in his mid-30s driving a grey Mercedes SUV in the East Kananaskis, Bragg Creek, Elbow Falls and/or Priddis between April 16 and 20 to contact police. It is believed the man may have been alone, or with either of the victims, and may have been carrying mulch inside his vehicle.
Investigators began searching the area after information from cell towers showed that there may be evidence related to this case nearby.
Hikers and bikers in the area are also asked to be on the lookout for “anything suspicious.”
“The Calgary Police Service is grateful to the community of Bragg Creek and Calgarians for the tips and assistance that has already been provided in this investigation,” Schiavetta said. “Public tips and cooperation often are a critical factor in helping investigators learn what happened in cases like this one.”
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact police by calling the non-emergency number at 403-266-1234 or the Homicide Tip Line at 403-428-8877. Tips can also be left anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.calgarycrimestoppers.org.
