EDMONTON – RCMP investigators said Thursday that the deadly house fire in Castor, Alberta in December was intentionally set, and that three family members were victims of homicide.
The Klaus family home burned to the ground on Dec. 8, 2013.
The Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the remains of 61-year-old Gordon Klaus and 40-year-old Monica Klaus were found in the burnt out home.
Sixty-two year-old Sandra Klaus has not been located, and her remains have not been found.
On Thursday, RCMP said investigators believe the death of Gordon and Monica Klaus are the result of homicide. Their investigation also suggests Sandra Klaus was the victim of a homicide.
“We’re considering her deceased at this point, and to be a victim of a homicide as well,” said Sgt. Josee Valquette.
“We don’t believe that this was a random act of violence. We believe that this was unique to this family.”
The RCMP explained that there was some coal in the farmhouse which could have made the fire even more intense.
“This house had a certain amount of coal in the basement. I think this might be a way of heating the house. And this has made it very difficult for our investigators to enter the house and to conduct the appropriate search,” said Valquette.
“It’s a … matter that burns and could burn for a long time, so it sure made the situation difficult for the search in the residence and it probably was burning so hot that this could be reasons why other remains are not located.”
While the cause and origin of the fire is still under investigation, the Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the family dog – who was found dead by first responders on scene – died from a gunshot wound.
Now, the RCMP is seeking the public’s help in furthering the investigation.
Officers have released images of the Klaus home, as well as a truck associated with the Klaus farm. The truck was found abandoned at the intersection of Highway 36 and Township Road 400, in the County of Paintearth, Alberta.
Investigators believe the truck was used by the person or people responsible for the murders.
The RCMP is not saying whether they have identified any potential suspects.
“Our investigation is continuing and until we have ascertained ourselves of who the suspects are – suspect or suspects – we are not ruling anybody out,” said Valquette.
Red Deer Regional Search and Rescue and RCMP Police Dog Services completed an extensive ground search where the white 2003 GMC Sierra truck was found.
In December, Castor Mayor Garry DeVloo spoke to Global News about the deadly fire.
“It’s a devastating event in the town of Castor. Very sad.”
“The family, well, they’ve lived here all their lives and they have two grown children.”
Monica was reportedly spending time in Castor with her parents, visiting from out of town.
The couple’s son Jason was not home at the time and was not injured in the fire.
DeVloo said Jason was incredibly distraught, but that the community was there to offer support.
“This town will fall right in behind Jason, give him what he needs.”
On Thursday, the RCMP sent out a request to the public, asking anyone who was in the area of the intersection on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 8, 2013 and has any information to contact the Major Crimes Unit at (403) 699-2655 or Crime Stoppers.
A map of the scene around the Klaus fatal house fire, provided by RCMP
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