Woman found dead in Forest Heights had body moved: Calgary police
Posted Jul 6, 2023 2:33 pm.
Last Updated Jul 6, 2023 2:34 pm.
After a woman was found dead in Forest Heights in southeast Calgary Tuesday, police think witnesses moved her there after they believe she overdosed.
Officers received reports of a body found by a couple walking in Fonda Park at around 5:30 a.m.
An autopsy conducted on Wednesday confirmed the identity of the victim as 35-year-old Katherine Sekella.
However, police do not consider her death suspicious or criminal at this time.
They are investigating the timeline around her death and are asking anyone with information about the victim and where she was this past week to come forward.
Read More: Woman found dead in Forest Heights park
“We are investigating three recent cases where a victim’s death was likely the result of an overdose, and rather than calling 9-1-1 for help, witnesses transport and dispose of the body,” says S Sgt. Brad Moore of the CPS Homicide Unit.
“These actions cause additional suffering to a family mourning the loss of a loved one, and as investigators, we are committed to finding them answers. We are pleading with anyone who has information to come forward so that we can provide these families closure.”
Officers remind Calgarians of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, which provides legal protection for those seeking emergency help during an overdose to “reduce fear of police attending the scene.”
In some cases, it can protect people from facing charges relating to possession of a controlled substance and breach of conditions.
However, investigators say moving and disposing of a body can result in criminal charges being laid, such as indignity to a body.
Police ask anyone with information about this incident to call them at 403-266-1234 or leave a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
