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Police find stolen vehicle belonging to Red Deer’s latest homicide victim

The 2018 Kia Rio belonging to Reichel Alpeche was located
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Reichel Alpeche, 30, of Red Deer, was killed on Feb. 1 while trying to stop a thief from stealing her car, RCMP confirmed Friday. (RCMP photo)

The 2018 vehicle belonging to Red Deer’s latest homicide victim has been located by police.

No suspect has been arrested yet, so the investigation into the Feb. 1 death of Reichel Alpeche, 30, is continuing, said Corp. Tammy Keibel, media relations officer for RCMP, Southern Alberta district on Monday.

Keibel added that a police update will be provided when more details can be released.

In the meantime, Red Deer RCMP are thanking the public for their assistance in locating the vehicle.

Alpeche was killed near her home in Riverside Meadows after she attempted to stop a thief from stealing her car. Her death was ruled a homicide after an autopsy was performed.

Officers were dispatched to a residential block at 59th Street, between Gaetz Avenue and 54th Avenue, for a person in distress call at about 6 p.m. Alpeche later died of injuries sustained when a suspect fled in her vehicle, police reported.

Alpeche, who left the Philippines in 2012 when she was 21 to find a better life, was described by friends and relatives online as a kind and generous person. She “treated everyone like her own family,” wrote Sarah Laya, who organized a GoFundMe campaign to pay for funeral costs and lawyer fees. As of Monday afternoon, the online fundraiser raised more than $9,900 out of its $25,000 goal.

“This tragic death has left her family grieving with many unanswered questions,” wrote Laya. “Accountability needs to happen, the truth must be told.”

Red Deer Mayor Ken Johnston said in a statement on Monday, “I am extremely saddened to learn that a member of our community has died in such a tragic manner. Our hearts break for the victim’s family and friends, and I wish to offer my sincerest condolences to all who are grieving.”

He encouraged anyone struggling with this event to “please reach out for help. Our Red Deer Victim Services is a great resource to anyone who need assistance dealing with the trauma this event may have caused.”

Victim Services can be reached by calling 403-406-2345.

A similar tragic event occurred in Red Deer in 2016 when Dawson “D.J.” Wegner Cramer, 23, was struck down while trying to prevent the theft of his work truck and tool box. Police reported that the heavy duty mechanic apprentice was hit by his own vehicle. Alexander Michael Talbot later pleaded guilty to this homicide in Red Deer provincial court and was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison.

Keibel cautioned residents not to get physically involved if they witness a vehicle theft in progress as “it could be extremely risky and dangerous.” While replacing a vehicle can be difficult, she added, “it’s not worth risking your life.”

The best thing is to remain observant, call 911 and pass on pertinent details to police, she added. “You don’t know how desperate this person is, whether there is substance abuse” — or even if the thief has a weapon.

Police are continuing to ask anyone who witnessed this crime, or who has dash cam video in the area of Kerry Wood Drive, to 59 Street, to Riverview Avenue, from Feb. 1, 2022, between the hours of 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. to call police at 403-343-5575.

Anyone with more information about this incident can also contact Red Deer RCMP while remaining anonymous, through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.P3Tips.com.