(Edmonton, Canada) – Three Edmonton residents have been charged in the kidnapping and death of a 12-year-old child whose remains were found near Calling Lake in August, Alberta RCMP said.

Two accused, ages 34 and 36, each face kidnapping and first-degree-murder charges. A third accused, 36, faces a second-degree-murder charge. The allegations have not been proven in court.

Case began with an injured caller

RCMP said Athabasca officers received a 911 call at about 3:22 a.m. on August 6 from an unknown person who reported being kidnapped and injured.

Officers located a stolen Edmonton vehicle with evidence of an attack. At about 9 a.m., searchers found the child’s remains in a rural area of Calling Lake. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner deemed the death a homicide.

October arrests

Police executed search warrants at Edmonton residences on October 24 and arrested three people. All three were remanded in custody after appearing in Athabasca court on October 26. RCMP said their next court appearance was scheduled for November 9.

The police release does not establish a motive. More than 100 RCMP officers were involved in the investigation, with Edmonton police and Alberta sheriffs assisting during the arrests.

Sources: Alberta RCMP, October 28 update; CityNews Edmonton, October 28 report.

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