The RCMP’s major crimes unit is investigating the death of a person whose burned body was found by emergency responders on the side of a road east of Calgary early Wednesday.
In a news release, police said that while an autopsy will be performed in Calgary on Thursday, investigators believe the person found was the victim of a homicide.
According to the RCMP, officers were called to the area of Township Road 233 near Highway 791 at 1:35 a.m. on Wednesday after someone reported seeing a fire there while driving past.
A police spokesperson said the fire was out before officers arrived but confirmed the body was initially seen burning in a ditch and that there was no vehicle at the scene.
“RCMP is seeking assistance from anyone who may have dash-camera footage and was in this area between 12:30 a.m. and 2:30 a.m.,” police said. “RCMP is also seeking to speak with anyone who has dash-camera footage and was driving west or east between those times on Highway 560, west of the Glenmore and Stoney Trail overpass.
“RCMP believe this was a targeted attack and do not believe there is any danger to the public.”
Anyone with information can call the Strathmore RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers.