Edmonton Police Service detectives have stated that Samuel Bird, a 14-year-old who went missing, is now presumed dead, with indications suggesting his death is of a criminal nature. Bird was last spotted on June 1st, captured on surveillance footage around 8:30 p.m. at Holy Cross School in the west end of the city. His final known location was at a friend’s house near 150th Street and 106th Avenue, where a search warrant was executed by the police in September.
Detective Jared Buhler from the EPS homicide unit disclosed during a press briefing that while individuals of interest have been identified, no charges have been brought forth yet. Buhler speculated that those responsible for Bird’s disappearance might have disposed of his body within a 150-kilometer radius from Edmonton shortly after he went missing.
The EPS believes that Bird’s body was concealed on land, prompting a plea from Buhler to the public, especially hunters, landowners, and outdoor enthusiasts, to be vigilant regarding Samuel’s case. Three searches have been conducted in the vicinity by law enforcement with the aid of dogs and specialized teams, aiming to pinpoint the possible location of Bird’s remains, a strategy initially kept confidential for investigative purposes.
Buhler emphasized the unwavering commitment to finding and retrieving Samuel’s body, acknowledging the support and resilience shown by the Bird family throughout the investigation. Samuel’s mother, Alanna, expressed the deep emotional toll of her son’s disappearance, highlighting the ongoing crisis faced by Indigenous families dealing with missing and murdered children and youth.
Both of Samuel’s grandmothers shared the significance of his spiritual name, translating to “Little Boy on the Moon,” while his father, Justin Bird, conveyed his love and longing for his son, reminiscing about shared moments and interactions. Anyone possessing information regarding Samuel Bird’s disappearance is urged to reach out to the EPS or CrimeStoppers for assistance.