Calgary police identify remains found near Banff
Posted May 15, 2023 12:58 pm.
Last Updated May 15, 2023 1:01 pm.
Calgary police have identified human remains that were found near Banff National Park last week.
Investigators said Monday the remains belong to Vida Smith, who was reported missing in July 2020 after she didn’t return to her home in Chestermere.
On July 31, 2020, authorities charged Kevin Barton, also known as Chris Lee, with one count of manslaughter in connection with Smith’s death.
Police said they worked hard to find the woman’s remains before they got a tip in October 2022 with a possible location.
However, investigators noted winter weather conditions made it impossible to search the area.
Last Tuesday, officers were able to revisit the area, a rest stop off the eastbound Trans-Canada Highway, where they found the remains.
A completed autopsy then confirmed the remains were that of Smith.
Barton/Lee has already been convicted of manslaughter in connection with Smith’s death.
