EDMONTON – An Edmonton-area man has been charged in connection with the murder of a man who was last seen alive in 2006.
Robin Douglas Goodwin was reported missing to the Edmonton Police Service on Jan. 17, 2007. He was last seen alive at his work, a mining business in Nisku, on Sept. 22, 2006.
On Nov. 2, 2007, human remains were found near the Hamlet of Hilliard, which is located about one hour east of Edmonton.
In June, 2008, the remains were confirmed to be that of Goodwin.
Goodwin’s death was ruled a homicide and the RCMP Major Crimes Unit continued to investigate.
After a lengthy investigation, Michael Jay Hook was charged with second degree murder in the case. The 51-year-old was arrested without incident on Wednesday.
“Although these types of investigations present various challenges and sometimes require several years to bring the matter before the courts, the perseverance of the investigative team has led to the charges being laid,” said Stacey Talbot, Officer in Charge of RCMP Edmonton Major Crimes Unit.
“These have been very difficult times for our family and we are very relieved that the person responsible for Robin’s murder will finally be held accountable,” said Goodwin’s sister, Mary Matchett. “Sadly, our parents are not here today to see Michael Hook’s arrest. We miss Robin every day and he would have been 53 years old next month.
“Our family is very grateful for the RCMP’s perseverance during this investigation over the past several years.”
Hook has been taken in custody and is scheduled to appear in Vegreville Provincial Court on Monday.