Achi news desk-
Four people have been charged with second degree murder in connection with the 2020 death of a man in Innisfail, Alta.
In a news release Friday, RCMP said the major crimes unit has laid charges in the death of Ryan James Gudwer, 38, of Blackfalds, following a four-year investigation.
The charges of second degree murder were laid on April 10, following consultation with Alberta Crown prosecutors.
The four suspects had moved across the country since the incident, police said, and RCMP units in New Brunswick and BC were brought in to help locate and arrest the suspects.
The four suspects were arrested between April 16 and 20 and have been remanded in custody.
Cory William Hales, 44, was arrested in Red Deer on April 16. He is expected to appear in court on May 3 in Red Deer.
Thomas Jeffrey Houle, 27, was arrested in Calgary on April 18. He is expected to appear in court on May 7 in Red Deer.
Amber Loretta Knickle, 25, was arrested in Maple Ridge, BC, on April 19. She was transported back to Alberta and is awaiting her next court date.
Mathieu Bilodeau, 45, was arrested in Moncton, NB, on April 20. He has also been transported back to Alberta and is awaiting a court date.
“Since this crime our suspects moved to different locations which presented unique challenges to our investigators,” said Cpl. John Brown of Alberta’s major crimes unit.
“With close coordination with our policing partners we were able to effectively locate and arrest all suspects.”
RCMP said the multi-year investigation involved several phases, including forensics, surveillance, obtaining judicial authorizations and speaking to witnesses.
