Calgary, AB,
04
September
2014
|
11:38
America/Denver

Murder Charge Laid After Suspicious Death Investigation

The Calgary Police Service Homicide Unit has charged a man in relation to the death of a woman yesterday.

At approximately 4:40 a.m., on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014, emergency responders received a call from a man stating he was the driver of a vehicle in the area of 17 Avenue and 84 Street S.E., reporting his passenger had died.

The initial report was that both occupants of the truck had consumed drugs and the woman had overdosed.

Responding officers found the vehicle stopped at the side of the road, with a man in the driver’s seat and the deceased woman in the passenger seat.

The man was immediately taken into custody for questioning.

Officers believe the woman died as the result of a physical assault. The official cause of death will be confirmed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner after an autopsy this morning.

The identity of the 37-year-old victim will not be released until that time.

The man and woman, who were known to one another, were together from approximately 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014.

Investigators believe they drove to various locations around southeast Calgary, and also travelled east of the city on two different occasions.

It is alleged that while outside of Calgary, the two had a disagreement, and the woman was physically assaulted by the accused, causing fatal injuries.

It is believed the accused then drove back to Calgary, eventually calling 911.

James Edward KRUSE, 36, of Calgary, has been charged with one count of first-degree murder.

He remains in custody, and his next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014.

Because it is believed this homicide took place outside of Calgary, investigators have been in contact with the RCMP, updating them on the progress of the investigation.

Anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to call police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org

TEXT: 274637

CASE #14340300

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