EPS looking for witnesses in central Edmonton homicide

The Edmonton Police Service is asking the public for help over a “violent” murder last week.

On January 1, officers at 10714 106 St. in Central McDougall responded and found 70-year-old Ronald Bell dead.

Homicide investigators were called in immediately due to Bell’s injuries and the condition of the home, which had an extinguished, unreported fire and an active water leak, Det. Jared Buhler said at a news conference Thursday.

“Based on our crime scene investigation and autopsy, I can say with certainty that a violent event ensued,” he said. “There was a fight, some sort of violent altercation.”

Bell’s death was confirmed as a homicide on Wednesday.

Investigators say his last contact with friends was in the early afternoon of December 27, and they believe he was killed between then and 4 p.m. that same day.

At approximately 4:30 p.m. on December 27, video was captured of Bell’s black 2011 GMC Sierra truck exiting the alley behind the house and heading west on 107 Avenue. Buhler said detectives believe Bell had already been killed when the truck was seen pulling away.

On Thursday evening, the Calgary Police Service said the truck was found in southeast Calgary. Officials said it was unoccupied and had a stolen Spruce Grove license plate on it.

Investigators are still looking for information about the truck, and anyone who may have seen it in the time since leaving Bell’s home should contact police immediately.

Bell was the main tenant of the house, but rented out rooms in the house and was known to have visitors staying with him as well.

“We don’t have an exact number,” said Bühler. “We’d like to speak to anyone who had a reason to come here, visit or stay the night before the 27th.”

“What these people know, and may have seen, that led to Mr Bell’s death is critical to our investigation, but we also want to confirm their well-being.”

Buehler said police believe property may have been removed from the home between Bell’s death and its discovery, and they are interested in activities in front of or behind the home between December 27 and January 1.

The home is next to the Husky station at 107 Avenue and 106 Street, he added, saying that anyone who stops by the station within the time frame should contact investigators.

“Ultimately, any observed activity at this residence during the time frame is important to the investigation.”

Information about the missing truck, activity near the home, or Bell’s death can be directed to police from a cell phone at 780-423-4567 or #377.

Anonymous information may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.