Charges laid in 1994 double homicide
Our Homicide Unit has laid charges in a double homicide that occurred 26 years ago as a result of re-examining key forensic evidence. Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance to identify a second suspect in relation to the case.
On July 11, 1994, two intruders entered a residence located in the 2500 block of 10 Avenue S.E. and shot and killed two men. The offenders fled the residence and the victims were later identified as Barry Christian BUCHART, 26, and Trevor Thomas DEAKINS, 25. The motive is believed to be associated to the sale of marijuana from within the residence.
Despite an extensive investigation, the culprits were not identified. Since then, the file has been reviewed and investigated several times.
In 2019, 25 years later, homicide investigators assigned to the Cold Case Team reopened the file. Existing forensic evidence collected in 1994 was utilized to help identify a person of interest.
As a result, police executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 100 block of Queen Isabella Close S.E., and took one man into custody.
Leonard Brian COCHRANE, 51, of Calgary, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. He will next appear in court on Friday, Dec. 11, 2020.
“There have been significant advancements in forensic technology since this double homicide occurred,” says Staff Sergeant Colin Chisholm of the Calgary Police Service Homicide Unit. “Our investigators work tirelessly to solve each case and bring closure to a victim’s family, regardless of how much time has passed. We will continue to re-examine all of our city’s unsolved homicides in the pursuit of justice.”
Investigators are still working to determine the identity of the second suspect in this case. Police are asking anyone with information associated to Leonard COCHRANE from 1990 to 1995 contact the Calgary Police Service. A photo of COCHRANE from around the time of the homicides as well as a current photo are available on The City of Calgary Newsroom.
Information can be given to the Cold Case Team by calling the Homicide Tip Line at 403-428-8877, or the CPS non-emergency line at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: "P3 Tips"
Statements from the victims’ families:
“The last 26 years have been long and agonizing, but we never lost hope. Our entire family is extremely relieved that Trevor is finally getting the justice he deserves. He can now truly Rest in Peace!
We are and will forever be grateful for the time the Calgary Cold Case Homicide Unit invested to get justice for Trevor and Barry.”
“We cannot express enough of our gratitude to the Calgary police Homicide Unit, for working so hard and never giving up over 26 years, trying to solve the tragic death of my brother Barry and roommate Trevor. Our hopes are that one day we will find closure. We ask for privacy during this difficult time. Thank you.”