Police say a man wanted for second degree murder has ties to the Red Deer and Edmonton area.
In a press release on Saturday, RCMP said the major crimes unit has laid charges in a November 2024 homicide on O’Chiese First Nation. RCMP have determined the victim to be 18-year-old O’Chiese First Nation resident Travis Strawberry.
As a result of the investigation, on Jan. 28 RCMP charged O’Chiese First Nation resident Derrick Phazar Whitford, 27 with second-degree murder.
Whitford is also wanted on several unrelated offences, including Breach of Probation, Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Flight from Peace Officer, Robbery, and several firearm related offences.
Attempts to locate Whitford by the Alberta RCMP Major Crimes, Rocky Mountain House RCMP and other support services have had negative results. Whitford may be in the area of O’Chiese First Nation or Sunchild First Nation and has ties to the Red Deer and Edmonton areas.
RCMP are asking for public assistance in locating Whitford, who is described as:
Medium complexion
6 ft tall
Approximately 138 pounds
Black hair
Brown eyes
Whitford has been known to use the names Sunny, Sonny, Derrick Dumais, and Derrick Whitford-Dumais, or a combination of these.
Whitford is also believed to be armed and dangerous. Police say if you do see Whitford, do not approach and call 911 immediately.
If you have any information as to the whereabouts of Derek Whitford, call Rocky Mountain House RCMP at 403-845-2881, or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www. P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play
