The Edmonton Police Service has tentatively identified the remains of a man found in a burned-out vehicle near 156 Street and St. Albert Trail as Kyle Gayda, 27, of Edmonton.
Homicide Det. Dan Jones said the police are still waiting for some information from the medical examiner’s office, but are reasonably confident Gayda is their victim.
“It is not 100 per cent confirmed, it is still a tentative ID,” Jones said.
“The investigation at this stage makes us believe we are dealing with Mr. Gayda as the victim and it is also strong enough that the family supports us in releasing his name.”
Police were called to the abandoned farm property on the northwest corner of the intersection on Wednesday, July 27, when passersby found a burned out 2010 Chevrolet Impala with human remains inside.
Jones said Gayda was last seen alive on Thursday, July 14, and police are looking for anyone who might have seen him recently. They are also still looking for anyone who might have seen smoke or other unusual activity near the property between July 14 and July 27.
“There should have been billowing smoke coming out of there for a certain period of time. If they saw that [or] if they saw anything in that area that made them think the police should know that, then they should call us,” the detective said.
The police have produced a video about the crime, which is available on their website at www.edmontonpolice.ca and gives a little more perspective on where the vehicle was found.
Jones said even the smallest sliver of information can turn a case around, so he encouraged the public to come forward as soon as possible.
“People might think it is a simple, not-significant detail and that piece of the puzzle might be the piece that we are missing.”
Anyone who saw the fire or noticed anything else suspicious in the area is being asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or the EPS tip line at 780-423-4567.
