CPS involvement in Alberta RCMP historical homicide investigations

Insp. Kevin Forsen of the Calgary Police Service Major Crimes Section spoke with media today, Friday, May 17, 2024, in relation to the Alberta RCMP’s announcement of four historical homicides being linked to a deceased serial killer.
Today marks a significant update for four historic Calgary-area homicides being investigated by ‪@RCMPAlbertaGRC‬. We recognize that four Calgary families have been without answers for almost 50 years and although today’s update will bring answers, many unhealed wounds will be reopened.
Though these four investigations were not ours, we remained relentless in pursuing justice for all Calgarians.
With the emergence of Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG), the Calgary Police Service began exploring IGG as an investigative tool to progress current and historical investigations.
Since then, our investigators have worked tirelessly to apply this tool to local cases, including homicides, sexual assaults, and cases involving unidentified human remains.
In 2021, we met with the Alberta RCMP to discuss historical homicides that occurred in the 1970s, including the murders of Barbara MACLEAN, Melissa REHOREK, Patricia McQUEEN and Eva DVORAK and proposed the potential use of IGG to advance the investigations.
In February of 2023, with the assistance of Convergence Investigative Genetic Genealogy, the CPS Historical Homicide Team was able to identify a potential suspect, Gary SRERY, and his name was provided to the RCMP for further investigation.
Our investigators dedicated countless hours lending their Investigative Genetic Genealogy expertise to the RCMP and are grateful to have played a part in finding answers for these families.
We’d also like to thank our partners within the RCMP for their partnership in this investigation.