RCMP arrest man in relation to the murder of two women in Lloydminster – Update 1

Press Release

Edmonton, Alta. (Mar. 24, 2016) – Yesterday, investigators from Alberta (“K” Division) and Saskatchewan (“F” Division) RCMP charged 59-year-old Gordon Alfred Rogers of Red Deer, Alta. with two counts of First Degree Murder in relation to the deaths of Jeanette Jean Chief and Violet Marie Heathen.

The body of Jeanette Chief was discovered on Wednesday, June 6, 2007 in a river near Lloydminster, Sask. by an individual who had ventured down to the water. Investigation by the RCMP revealed that the last known sighting of the 48-year-old woman was in Lloydminster on Saturday, June 2, 2007. An autopsy confirmed that the manner of death in this case was homicide.

Violet Heathen, 49-years-old, was last seen alive in Lloydminster on Friday, May 15, 2009. After not hearing from her for approximately two weeks, Ms. Heathen’s family reported her missing to the Onion Lake RCMP detachment. On Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, her remains were located in a rural area near Kitscoty, Alta. by a hunter. Positive identification on the remains was obtained on Dec. 22, 2009.

The RCMP were able to identify a nexus between the two cases after the evidence from extensive investigations conducted by the “K” Division Historical Homicide Unit and “F” Division Historical Case Unit identified Mr. Rogers as a person of interest in each file. Working collaboratively, investigators from both divisions came together to facilitate the arrest of Mr. Rogers on Tuesday evening in Edmonton, Alta. He was charged with two counts of First Degree Murder yesterday afternoon: one count in the June 2007 death of Ms. Chief; and one count in the May 2009 death of Ms. Heathen.

Investigation has determined that Mr. Rogers had known Violet Heathen for a few years but that Jeanette Chief had not known him.

Gordon Alfred Rogers is scheduled to make his first appearance in provincial court in Lloydminster, Alta. on April 5, 2016 at 10 a.m.. Given that these cases are now before the courts, the RCMP cannot comment further as the evidence has yet to be presented in a court of law.

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Media Contact:
Alberta RCMP Media Relations
780-412-5260

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