Bowness homicide investigation

The death of a woman who was found in Bowness yesterday has been investigated as a homicide and charges have been laid. 

The victim was found lying on a roadway in the 8000 block of 34 Ave. N.W., in the early hours of Monday, Feb. 10, 2020. We believe the victim and suspect were known to each other, and the homicide is considered to be domestic in nature.

An autopsy was performed today and identified the victim as Melissa Rae BLOMMAERT, 33. Cause of death has been determined to be blunt force trauma. 

Ronald John CANDAELE, 35, is charged with second-degree murder. He will next appear in court on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020.

At this time, we believe the victim and suspect were intimate partners. In the hours leading up to the victim’s death, it is believed a verbal altercation occurred in a vehicle between the suspect and the victim which lead to the victim exiting the vehicle.

Shortly after, it is believed that the victim was struck by the same vehicle driven by the suspect, which inflicted fatal injuries to the victim. At approximately 6:10 a.m., a passerby located the victim lying in the road. The victim was transported to hospital where she was pronounced dead.

“Homicides of any nature are tragic, including incidents where domestic violence is present, and our investigators continue to work diligently to find answers in this case,” said Staff Sergeant Colin Chisholm. “We encourage anyone facing domestic conflict or violence to reach out for support to local agencies, or to police.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the police non-emergency number 403-266-1234, or the Homicide Unit Tip Line at 403-428-8877. Tips can also be left anonymously through Crime Stoppers:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org

APP: "P3 Tips"

We would like to remind Calgarians experiencing abuse or violence in an intimate or family relationship, that they are always encouraged to reach out for help as these harmful behaviours often become worse over time.

There are countless agencies ready to offer support that can be contacted simply by calling 211, or the Connect Family & Sexual Abuse Network at either 1-877-237-5888 (for sexual abuse), or 403-234-7233 (for domestic abuse).

Victims of domestic violence can also contact the Calgary Police Service at anytime by calling the non-emergency line at 403-266-1234, or 9-1-1 if you are in immediate danger.

Case # 20059053/3311