The RCMP say an autopsy confirms a 31-year-old Wainwright mother found dead on Friday was the victim of a homicide.
On Tuesday afternoon, police said the death of Nichole Clifford is now a murder investigation and that they are looking for anyone with information to come forward. However, they did not reveal how Clifford was killed.
READ MORE: Wainwright suspicious death victim was Nichole Clifford, a 31-year-old mother of 2
Police said officers were called to Clifford’s home at 1206 8 Avenue at around 10:30 a.m. on Friday to do a wellness check after someone phoned them to say she didn’t show up for work. Inside the home, officers found Clifford’s body.
The RCMP is looking to speak with anyone who was in the area of 12 Street and 8 Avenue in Wainwright between the evening of Thursday, Feb. 23 and the morning of Friday, Feb. 24. They especially want to hear from anyone who may have heard or seen anything unusual.
READ MORE: Wainwright RCMP seek surveillance video as they investigate woman’s suspicious death
Neighbours, who spoke to Global News this past weekend and did not want to be identified, told Global News Clifford was “a nice lady” who was outgoing and involved in the community. Neighbours said she worked in social services and was the mother of two young children.
Clifford went by her maiden name McKeith on Facebook, and neighbours said she was recently divorced.
A friend of Clifford has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral costs. “A family lost their loved one in a shocking and tragic way. Nichole left behind two beautiful young children, adoring parents, a brother, extended family and best friends,” the page said. Anything raised over the $10,000 goal will go to Clifford’s children.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Wainwright RCMP detachment at 780-842-4461. Tips can also be anonymously submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.