EDMONTON – On Tuesday, RCMP announced the final arrest in the murder of 23-year-old Chelsea Yellowbird, who was shot outside of a residence at the Samson Cree Nations on September 5, 2011.
On Wednesday, RCMP arrested and charged 20-year-old Shelby Minde of Hobbema with first degree murder. On Thursday, RCMP arrested and charged 21-year-old Randall Omeasoo of Hobbema with first degree murder in connection with the homicide. Then, on Friday, 20-year-old Wacey Applegarth of Hobbema was arrested.
All three individuals are facing charges of first degree murder.
“The death of Chelsea Yellowbird was a tragedy for this entire community,” said Inspector Charles Wood, Officer in Charge of Maskwacis RCMP Detachment. “Community engagement has helped us solve this case and today our investigators are satisfied that all responsible for Chelsea’s murder have been arrested.”
The arrests are the result of a two-year investigation by Hobbema RCMP detachment and the Calgary Major Crimes Unit.
In late September, The RCMP Dive Team and the Special Tactical Operations Team conducted a search in water near the Battle River Bridge.
Earlier that month, the Major Crime Unit photographed the scene from a UAV-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, which is designed to take photographs and video from the air.
“New technology, advances in science and investigative techniques are providing us with the ability to re-examine previously collected evidence and see previously unknown pieces to our puzzle,” Sgt. Doug Wattie of the RCMP Major Crimes unit said in a news release.
The photos were used to build a 3D drawing of the crime scene.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about Chelsea Yellowbird’s homicide is asked to call the Hobbema RCMP at (780) 585-3893. Those wanting to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or at www.tipsubmit.com.
Minde was remanded to appear via CCTV from Edmonton Remand Centre to the Wetaskiwin Court House on Nov. 12.
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