A man has been charged with manslaughter in relation to the Chestermere woman who was reported missing last week.
A release from the Calgary Police Service states that 60-year-old Kevin Barton is facing one count of manslaughter after being arrested on July 30 in northwest Calgary.
Police have not located the remains of 69-year-old Vida Smith, who was last seen on July 21 before leaving to meet with a friend, though they did recover her 2002 Nissan Altima, according to the most recent update from CPS.
“At this time, detectives have exhausted all footprints of life and based on evidence, believe Vida was killed. However, investigators have not yet located Vida’s remains,” the release states.
Police believe that an argument had between a man and a woman in a white SUV parked at the Sunridge ATB (2555 32nd Street NE) could be related to the current investigation.
Anyone who may have seen the argument, which took place on the same day as Smith’s disappearance, July 21, is asked to contact the police.
Police also believe that Barton had travelled to Edmonton on July 22, and attended the Best Buy at 13924 137th Street NW while there.
Anyone who may have seen him or his beige Cadillac Escalade during that time is also asked to contact the police.
“In addition to searching for Vida’s remains, we are still investigating possible motives,” said Staff Sergeant Martin Schiavetta of the CPS Homicide Unit in the release.
“Our condolences go out to Vida’s family and we are committed to finding them answers.”
Anyone with information on Smith, Barton, the argument, or the related vehicles should contact the Calgary Police Service’s non-emergency line at 403-266-1234.
Tips can also be left anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or through its website.
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