EDMONTON — RCMP have identified a central Alberta man accused of killing two aboriginal women whose bodies were found several years ago.
Gordon Alfred Rogers of Red Deer has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
The body of Jeannette Chief, 48, was found in June 2007, four days after she was last seen in Lloydminster on the Alberta-Saskatchewan boundary.
Violet Heathen, 49, was last seen in the same city in May 2009. Her remains were close to a nearby village six months later.
Police say Rogers, 59, had a "weak" relationship with Heathen, but did not know Chief.
Both women were from the Onion Lake Cree Nation north of Lloydminster.
Investigators say the charges were the result of years of dogged police work on both sides of the Alberta and Saskatchewan boundary.
Statement from the family of Jeanette Chief. #MMIW pic.twitter.com/ULLjCpm7Ru
— Sarah Kraus Global (@SarahNKraus) March 24, 2016
"I think from my perspective, there is nothing more satisfying than solving a case where someone thought they got away with it," said RCMP Supt. Gary Steinke.
"We never forget. We never conclude these files and will always work to get the positive end which is basically closure for the families and the safety of our communities."
Members of both women's families attended the police news conference.
"Today is a sad, but joyous moment," said Chief's nephew, Tom Chief, reading from a prepared statement.
"Jeannette was a beloved mother, caring auntie, loving sister and protective grandmother, who loved and cherished those around her."
A statement from Heathen's family was read by police.
"This has been an overwhelming event for the family," it said. "Violet was the type of person that could liven any room with her happy, carefree spirit.
Families of Chief and Heathen crying - very somber mood as they leave the RCMP conference. Asked for privacy. pic.twitter.com/bAfycEFLm4
— Sarah Kraus Global (@SarahNKraus) March 24, 2016
"Wherever she went she had lots of friends. She was always there to give a helping hand. She was a giver, although she never had much money. If she had anything to give, she would give to whoever needed it."
