RCMP use DNA to identify homicide victim after 40 years
The body of a man killed and dumped in a septic tank near Tofield, Alta. in 1977 has been identified by RCMP with the use of forensic genetic genealogy.
On April 13, 1977, a body was found in a septic tank on an abandoned farm 55 kilometres east of Tofield.
The body was covered in lime, wrapped in a bed sheet and tied with a nylon rope. Police say parts of the body were mutilated, and the victim was shot twice with a .32 calibre semi or automatic weapon.
The crime has been unsolved for more than 40 years.
RCMP say the state of the body prevented it from being identified until now.
The man has been identified as Gordon (Gordie) Edwin Sanderson. He was born in Manitoba on Oct. 22, 1950. Police say he was in his mid-20s when he died.
Gordon (Gordie) Edwin Sanderson was identified by RCMP using genetic genealogy. (Source: RCMP)
After seeing officers in California use genetic genealogy to find the Golden State Killer, officers in Alberta decided to try a similar technique.
“We in the serious crimes branch saw the potential of this new technique,” said Zazulak.
RCMP partnered with a lab in Texas to create a DNA profile, and then that profile is uploaded to a public genealogy website in compliance with the site’s terms and conditions.
“We were fortunate that someone within Gordie’s family had participated and had consented to having their DNA profile shared and matched against others and then we were able to find Joyce.”
“There have been many different RCMP investigators over the years trying to solve this crime,” Staff Sgt. Jason Zazulak.
“Until we know the answers and gather evidence and hopefully provide enough information and evidence to see these through to court, we’re never finished. The use of the term cold case is a bit of a misnomer, as investigations never end.”
Police say Sanderson was part of the 60s Scoop, and was put into foster care at the age of nine.
“He struggled with addictions and has various run-ins with police,” he said.
Gordon (Gordie) Sanderson was identified by RCMP using genetic genealogy. (Source: RCMP)
In the 1970s he was living in Edmonton, and was going to visit his brother Arthur in Calgary when he disappeared.
RCMP believe Sanderson was killed by associates of his involved in various criminal acts in the Edmonton area. However, they do acknowledge that his killer may not be alive today.
“Between the passage of time and just some of the lifestyles that people were involved in at the time as well it’s very possible that they have passed away.”
RCMP want to speak with anyone who may have known Gordie Sanderson, or have information about his death to contact the Tofield RCMP at 780-662-3353.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. teen with Canada's first human case of avian flu in critical condition, Dr. Bonnie Henry says
The teenager who is sick with the first-ever human case of avian influenza acquired in Canada is in hospital in critical condition, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday.
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead new ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ in Trump administration
President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency” in his second administration.
Here's why thieves may be stealing butter in Canada
The case of the missing butter remains a mystery, but some have ideas on what's behind the unusual crimes.
Former B.C. premier John Horgan dies at 65
Former B.C. premier John Horgan, a popular leader renowned for his affable personality and dedicated public service, has died
Alleged serial killer previously pled guilty to 2018 attack on Waterloo, Ont. bus
The woman accused of killing three people in three days in three Ontario cities also previously admitted to attacking strangers on buses in the Region of Waterloo.
Air Canada to add new routes to U.S., Europe and North Africa in summer 2025
Getting to destinations in the U.S., Europe and North Africa is about to get easier, as Air Canada announced it will be increasing flights to a number of new destinations this summer.
Body found in Montreal park identified as cryptocurrency influencer
The body of a man that was found in a park in the Ahunstic-Cartierville borough last month has been identified as cryptocurrency influencer Kevin Mirshahi.
History in Halifax is slowly being wiped off the map: study
Saint Mary's University archeologist Jonathan Fowler is sounding an alarm with a new study. According to Fowler, the centuries-old architecture that adds to Halifax’s heritage and historic vibe is slowly being wiped away as the city grows.
2-year-old gorilla 'Eyare' dies unexpectedly at Calgary Zoo
A young gorilla at the Calgary Zoo has died. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo announced a member of its western lowland gorilla troop passed away unexpectedly, in a news release Tuesday.