Edmonton Police Service detectives have announced that 14-year-old Samuel Bird, who has been missing since June 1, is now presumed dead under suspicious circumstances. Surveillance footage captured Bird walking through the grounds of Holy Cross School in the city’s west end around 8:30 p.m. on the day he disappeared.
Investigators revealed that Bird was last seen at a friend’s house near 150th Street and 106th Avenue, where police executed a search warrant in September. Detective Jared Buhler from the EPS homicide unit disclosed that individuals of interest have been identified, although no charges have been filed.
Buhler expressed his belief that those responsible for Bird’s disappearance might have disposed of his body within a 150-kilometer radius of Edmonton shortly after he went missing. EPS suspects that Bird’s body was concealed on land, prompting a plea to the public, particularly hunters, landowners, and outdoor enthusiasts, to remain vigilant regarding any information related to the case.
Despite conducting searches utilizing dogs and specialized personnel in the area, authorities have not disclosed the specific locations searched initially for investigative purposes. The primary focus remains on locating and recovering Bird’s remains, with Detective Buhler emphasizing the family’s support and the community’s involvement in the search efforts.
During a news conference, Bird’s mother, Alanna, expressed the profound impact of her son’s disappearance on their lives and highlighted the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous children and youth. She acknowledged the support received from volunteers and emphasized the need to address systemic failures that perpetuate such tragedies within Indigenous communities.
Samuel’s spiritual name, “Little Boy on the Moon,” holds significance for his family, who continue to actively search for him. His father, Justin, shared heartfelt memories of his son and the emotional toll of his absence, urging anyone with information to come forward. The family remains dedicated to finding answers and seeking justice for Samuel.
