GUILTY Canada - Vida Smith, 69, enroute Chestermere, Alta, to Calgary, 21 Jul 2020 *Arrest*

[MistyWaters]

Hopefully the suspect will do the right thing and tell CPS where to find her body.

There’s several possible routes from Calgary to Edmonton and one includes heading west to the very rugged Bragg Creek/Kananaskis wilderness area and then swinging south up hwy 22, then continuing via QE2 toward Edmonton.

Otherwise once CPS has completed reviewing traffic cam data and/or cellphone pings, this might prove helpful in providing additional clues to her location. Finding her body may also prove critical in the degree of murder charges if they’re upgraded, as it stands now manslaughter being the lowest.

 

[LadyL]

RIP Vida.

 

[LadyL]

BBM

“Investigators analyzed her day timer and believe Smith was scheduled to meet with a friend, Kevin Barton, on July 21 at 12:30 p.m. at a coffee shop in northeast Calgary — the same day she was last seen by her family....”
Calgary police seeking public's help in search for missing woman | Calgary Herald

I’m curious, how do investigators “analyze” a day timer? This is how police know she was meeting KB, a friend, at a coffee shop but initially they said she went to Calgary for an appointment.

So I have to wonder if it was just an excuse of an appointment that she told her family who reported her missing? If so, maybe there’s a reason she was hiding this meeting from them? My speculation only but perhaps the relationship between the two is key to why she’s missing.

analyze = read IMO

 

[MistyWaters]

Police charge Calgary man in missing woman's death; searching for remains | National Post
...”Schiavetta said Barton is “known nationally to law enforcement.” The officer did not discount the possibility that more people may have been involved in Smith’s death......

.......Smith’s 2002 Black Nissan Altima has been found. Officers have also searched a residence in northwest Calgary.

Police are asking anyone who may have seen the accused, or his beige Cadillac Escalade, in Calgary or Edmonton to contact them. It’s believed Barton travelled to Edmonton on July 22 and homicide investigators in that city are helping with the case, Schiavetta said.

They are also seeking witnesses to an argument between a man and woman inside a white SUV outside the Sunridge ATB in northeast Calgary between 1 and 1:30 p.m. the day Smith vanished.....”

*****
I noticed this earlier —- the white SUV and the beige Cadillac aren’t necessarily one and the same vehicle.

I don’t know for sure what constitutes someone to be “known nationally” but I’d take a guess it involves conviction of a federal criminal offence.

 

[kritafo]

Police charge Calgary man in missing woman's death; searching for remains | National Post
...”Schiavetta said Barton is “known nationally to law enforcement.” The officer did not discount the possibility that more people may have been involved in Smith’s death......

.......Smith’s 2002 Black Nissan Altima has been found. Officers have also searched a residence in northwest Calgary.

Police are asking anyone who may have seen the accused, or his beige Cadillac Escalade, in Calgary or Edmonton to contact them. It’s believed Barton travelled to Edmonton on July 22 and homicide investigators in that city are helping with the case, Schiavetta said.

They are also seeking witnesses to an argument between a man and woman inside a white SUV outside the Sunridge ATB in northeast Calgary between 1 and 1:30 p.m. the day Smith vanished.....”

*****
I noticed this earlier —- the white SUV and the beige Cadillac aren’t necessarily one and the same vehicle.

I don’t know for sure what constitutes someone to be “known nationally” but I’d take a guess it involves conviction of a federal criminal offence.

I just noticed the white and beige Cadillac in the article myself .. hmm interesting. I can't find anything on Barton

 

[whitelilac]

"long standing friendship over several years".....what on earth happened? Did Vida know about his alias and criminal background?

 

[iQuill]

Hopefully the suspect will do the right thing and tell CPS where to find her body.

There’s several possible routes from Calgary to Edmonton and one includes heading west to the very rugged Bragg Creek/Kananaskis wilderness area and then swinging south up hwy 22, then continuing via QE2 toward Edmonton.

Otherwise once CPS has completed reviewing traffic cam data and/or cellphone pings, this might prove helpful in providing additional clues to her location. Finding her body may also prove critical in the degree of murder charges if they’re upgraded, as it stands now manslaughter being the lowest.

That would be “North” up Hwy 22 as Edmonton is North of Calgary and the first opportunity to connect with the QE2 would be in central Alberta ... around Red Deer ... otherwise just straight north on the QE2 from Calgary to Edmonton would be the fastest way.

 

[dotr]

rbbm.
Suspect charged in homicide investigation of Vida Smith: Calgary police

''At a Friday police conference, Staff Sgt. Martin Schiavetta said Barton, also known as Chris Lee, had been taken into custody and charged with one count of manslaughter in connection to Smith’s death.''

''Based on evidence, investigators believe Smith was killed and her remains may have been disposed of when Barton travelled from Calgary to Edmonton on July 22.''

Anyone who witnessed the argument, has knowledge of Barton’s whereabouts or has seen his vehicle, a beige Cadillac Escalade, is asked to call the Calgary Police Service’s non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.''

 

[dotr]

Man arrested in connection with death of Chestermere, Alta. woman
''Kevin Barton, also known as Chris Lee, 60, was arrested without incident on July 30 and police also recovered Vida's vehicle, a 2002 Nissan Altima''.
''Investigators also searched a home in the 5200 block of 40th Avenue N.W. in connection with the case.''

"It is alleged that while in Edmonton, Barton attended the Best Buy, located at 13924 137 Avenue N.W. Anyone who may have seen Barton or his vehicle, a beige Cadillac Escalade, is asked to contact police."

 

[MistyWaters]

That would be “North” up Hwy 22 as Edmonton is North of Calgary and the first opportunity to connect with the QE2 would be in central Alberta ... around Red Deer ... otherwise just straight north on the QE2 from Calgary to Edmonton would be the fastest way.

You’re right, I’m terrible with directions. Between Calgary and Edmonton via QE2 is all fields so I suppose the location depends if she was meant to be found or not.

 

[MistyWaters]

"long standing friendship over several years".....what on earth happened? Did Vida know about his alias and criminal background?

She sure can’t have known he had the potential to be dangerous. If she knew of prior criminal activity the typical yarn seems to be “I didn’t do it, I was set up”. I can’t even guess what their business relationship might be and CPS isn’t mentioning any occupations.

 

[kritafo]

“known nationally to law enforcement" so what did he do before this crime?

 

[branmuffin]

I found one case in 2006 where an individual had been charged with sexual assault. Same initials as his alias. I don't see it being him, though. Based on scenario seems to be a much younger person.

ETA; If they were a couple could it be a case of a violent domestic argument that got out of control?

 

[kritafo]

I found one case in 2006 where an individual had been charged with sexual assault. Same initials as his alias. I don't see it being him, though. Based on scenario seems to be a much younger person.

ETA; If they were a couple could it be a case of a violent domestic argument that got out of control?

ya that's what I found as well, but different birth year. So it's confusing me.

 

[dotr]

Calgary and Edmonton police are working closely to locate the body of 69-year-old Vida Smith - LiveWire Calgary
rbbm.
''Calgary Police are looking for the public’s assistance in locating the body of Vida Smith''.

“We have made great strides in the evidence collection,” said Schiavetta.

“We are relying heavily on forensics.”

Vida Smith, 69 who has been declared a victim of homicide by Calgary Police. CALGARY POLICE SERVICE
''Schiavetta said police are still looking for other possible suspects, but Barton is the only person charged at this time.

“In addition to searching for Vida’s remains, we are still investigating possible motives,” said Schiavetta.''

 

[branmuffin]

“known nationally to law enforcement" so what did he do before this crime?

Yes, the term 'nationally' is quite cryptic. I wonder if he was one of those guys who profess to love someone and then drains their bank accounts. Guys like that could move around a lot.

 

[dotr]

Yes, the term 'nationally' is quite cryptic. I wonder if he was one of those guys who profess to love someone and then drains their bank accounts. Guys like that could move around a lot.

Curious what he was known for "nationally'', why would others also possibly harm Vida, gang, mafia ect activity in the past? speculation.
Police charge Calgary man in missing woman's death; searching for remains | National Post
''Schiavetta said Barton is “known nationally to law enforcement.” The officer did not discount the possibility that more people may have been involved in Smith’s death.''

 

[MistyWaters]

Curious what he was known for "nationally'', why would others also possibly harm Vida, gang, mafia ect activity in the past? speculation.
Police charge Calgary man in missing woman's death; searching for remains | National Post
''Schiavetta said Barton is “known nationally to law enforcement.” The officer did not discount the possibility that more people may have been involved in Smith’s death.''

During the recent N.S. massacre there was discussion around the context of “known or not known to police”. In one of the interviews, unfortunately I’m unable to locate, it was mentioned although the context is not standardized, it often refers to somebody who was earlier convicted of an illegal offence because the conviction always shows up via a criminal record check by police. The Criminal Code of Canada reflects national laws, as opposed to a municipal or provincial laws for parking, speeding, impaired driving etc.

A conviction under the Cdn Criminal Code could be anything from soup to nuts - a prior murder conviction, SA, drug dealer, money laundering, or robbery for example. He may have served prison time or just have received probation, depending on what he was convicted for.
Criminal Code

But I think the distinction of a prior criminal record is what CPS was making in reference to “nationally known to police”. Rather than a DL photo, now I’m wondering if the photo released was taken as a mug shot. If I were to guess, by the photo he looks like a drug user or alcoholic to me.

 

[whitelilac]

rbbm.
Suspect charged in homicide investigation of Vida Smith: Calgary police

''At a Friday police conference, Staff Sgt. Martin Schiavetta said Barton, also known as Chris Lee, had been taken into custody and charged with one count of manslaughter in connection to Smith’s death.''

''Based on evidence, investigators believe Smith was killed and her remains may have been disposed of when Barton travelled from Calgary to Edmonton on July 22.''

Anyone who witnessed the argument, has knowledge of Barton’s whereabouts or has seen his vehicle, a beige Cadillac Escalade, is asked to call the Calgary Police Service’s non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.''

"based on evidence"...it must be pretty positive evidence that Vida is deceased, and that Barton is responsible, for him to be charged so quickly. Have to wonder what that evidence is.

 

[kritafo]

I'm busting to know what business they were involved with together, and what was bought at Best Buy in Edmonton and did he use her card. I can't find any family making a pleas when Vida was first missing and that Barton was known to the family .. I agree his photo does look a mug shot.