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
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Maple Leafs forward William Nylander sits out 3rd straight game to open the playoffs
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander sat out his third straight game to open the playoffs Wednesday night because of an undisclosed injury.
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
'Life was not fair to him': Daughter of N.B. man exonerated of murder remembers him as a kind soul
The daughter of a New Brunswick man recently exonerated from murder, is remembering her father as somebody who, despite a wrongful conviction, never became bitter or angry.
'Anything to win': Trudeau says as Poilievre defends meeting protesters
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accusing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre of welcoming 'the support of conspiracy theorists and extremists,' after the Conservative leader was photographed meeting with protesters, which his office has defended.