Two more men have been charged in connection with the murder of an eight-year-old girl whose remains were found in Maskwacis in April, says Edmonton Police Service.
In addition to the three others previously charged in the murder, Edmonton Police Service (EPS) Homicide Section has since arrested and charged Shayden Lightning, 21, and Raighne Stoney, 36, with accessory to murder and indignity to a dead body.
Police previously charged are a 27-year-old female charged with first degree murder and indignity to a dead body, a 25-year-old male charged with accessory to murder and indignity to a dead body, as well as Edward Nievera, 67, charged with accessory to murder and indignity to a dead body.
Edmonton police said that in the early evening of April 24, West Branch patrol officers responded to a check on welfare call in relation to the girl at a residence in the area of 87th Avenue and 165th Street. Upon arrival, police were unable to locate her and began investigating.
Between April 26 and April 28, 2023, Homicide Section officers arrested the 27-year-old female, a 25-year-old male and Edward Nievera in relation to the murder.
On April 29, 2023, the girl’s remains were located on Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacis.
On May 1, the Edmonton medical examiner determined the cause of death was blunt impact trauma, and the manner of death was homicide.
The names of the two initial accused continue to be withheld by the EPS to protect the identity of other children related to the deceased. A publication ban is in place to protect the identity of the victim. No further arrests are pending.
“We want to thank the RCMP in Maskwacis and Wetaskiwin for their assistance with this investigation,” says EPS Homicide Section Staff Sgt. Colin Leathem, in a statement. “Needless to say, this was an exceptionally distressing investigation to work on, and they went above and beyond in helping to facilitate these final arrests and bring this file to conclusion.
“While nothing can change the horror of what occurred, we hope that apprehending those responsible can provide some measure of justice to those who knew and loved this little girl.”