At approximately 1 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, Downtown Branch patrol officers responded to a reported sudden death at a residence in the area of 107 Avenue and 106 Street. Upon arrival, officers located a deceased male.
On Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, the Edmonton Medical Examiner completed an autopsy on the deceased, identified as Ronald Bell, 70, and determined the manner of death is homicide. For investigative reasons, the cause of death continues to be withheld at this time.
On Thursday, May 2, 2024, Melissa Norris, 37, was taken into custody and has been charged with first-degree murder, arson and indignity to a body in relation to Mr. Bell’s death.
Background
On Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, police issued a news release asking to speak with anyone who lived in or visited Mr. Bell’s residence or noticed any activity at his residence on or about Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022. Investigators were also seeking his truck, a black 2011 GMC Sierra, that was last seen on video departing the alley between 106 Street and 107 Street and driving west on 107 Avenue at approximately 4:30 p.m. that same day.
Mr. Bell’s truck was subsequently recovered by the Calgary Police Service bearing a stolen license plate out of Spruce Grove on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, at approximately 4:20 p.m.
The EPS issued another media release on Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, seeking the public’s assistance in locating Donn Austin Gauthier, who was wanted on multiple warrants.
On Tuesday, July 11, 2023, Donn Austin Gauthier, 43, was arrested in relation to Mr. Bell’s death. He was charged with first-degree murder, arson, indignity to a body and breach recognize.