Calgary police make second arrest in Douglasdale murder

Calgary police have made a second arrest in the death of 53-year-old Chad Kowalchuk.

A 41-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder after he was taken into custody on April 7. This comes after a 30-year-old was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and arson in March.

Kowalchuk was killed and his home in the southeast community of Douglasdale burned down on Feb. 18.

At a news conference Thursday, members of Kowalchuk’s family made a public statement saying they have several unanswered questions and asked anyone who may know something about the man’s murder to come forward.

“Chad came from a family that loved and adored him very much,” the victim’s brother, Dean Kowalchuk, said. “He was a fun-loving and caring person, and did not deserve this end.”

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The Calgary Police Service (CPS) says investigators believe Kowalchuk was killed days before his home went up in flames.

“We continue to examine evidence related to the murder of Chad Kowalchuk, and believe there are a number of people that attended the residence in the days prior to the fire,” said Staff-Sgt. Sean Gregson with CPS. “This has been an agonizing loss for Chad’s family and friends, and we are asking anyone who has information, or who knows of people who have information, to please come forward.”

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Police also say they are still determining what relationship, if any, Kowalchuk had with the men accused in his murder, and that no details about a possible motive will be released at this time.

“We’re still trying to put all the pieces together,” Gregson said. “Part of the reason that makes it complicated was the fire in itself, we believe that was probably an attempt to conceal evidence, but we want to make sure that we’ve done a thorough investigation, and uncovered all avenues, ensuring that we leave no stone unturned.”

Police are urging anyone with information about this investigation to contact them at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers.

–With files from Lisa Grant and Craig Lester