The discovery of 14-year-old Samuel Bird’s remains has led to a murder charge being filed in connection with his death, authorities revealed on Thursday. Alanna Bird, his mother, disclosed via social media that her son’s remains had been found. The Edmonton Police Service subsequently stated in a press release that the remains were uncovered in a rural area outside Edmonton.
Bryan Farrell, 38, was apprehended on Wednesday and charged with second-degree murder and tampering with a body in relation to Bird’s demise. Additionally, Farrell faces 13 other charges, including aggravated assault, arson endangering human life, unlawful firearm possession, assaulting an officer with a weapon, making threats, and fraud exceeding $5,000.
Records from the court indicate that the arson allegations against Farrell are linked to the west Edmonton property that Bird had visited on the night he went missing. A search warrant was executed by EPS at the residence on September 18, and less than two weeks later, the house was engulfed in flames, deemed a suspicious fire at the time.
Farrell is also accused of making threats toward a woman concerning Samuel’s mother. Police have stated that no other suspects are being sought in connection with Bird’s passing, and Farrell is the sole individual facing charges.
Samuel Bird, a member of Paul First Nation, vanished on June 1 after departing his residence in west Edmonton to visit a friend. His disappearance prompted an extensive search effort involving family members, volunteers, and search and rescue teams. Alanna Bird expressed gratitude on social media to the police and everyone who aided in the search, including those who shared his missing person poster and participated in rallies.
Tiera Williams, who assisted in the search for Samuel Bird, including organizing a water search on the North Saskatchewan River, expressed emotional relief upon hearing the news of the discovery. She emphasized the importance of seeking justice for the young boy now that his remains have been located.
Surveillance footage captured Bird at around 8:30 p.m. on June 1 walking near Holy Cross School in the city’s west end. His last known whereabouts were at a friend’s house in the vicinity of 150th Street and 106th Avenue, where a search warrant was executed by the police in September.
Earlier this month, law enforcement declared Bird’s disappearance to be of a criminal nature, stating their belief that he was deceased and his body had been removed and concealed outside the city. Detective Jared Buhler, the primary investigator with the EPS homicide section, expressed hope that the resolution of the case would provide some closure and justice for Samuel’s loved ones after an extensive and intricate investigation.