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Smith murder case remains open

After nine long years, an investigation into finding the killer of an 89-year-old Westlock man remains ongoing. While technically considered a historical homicide, RCMP say the investigation into the unsolved murder of Doug Smith is active.
Police continue to actively investigate the 2007 murder of Doug Smith.
Police continue to actively investigate the 2007 murder of Doug Smith.

After nine long years, an investigation into finding the killer of an 89-year-old Westlock man remains ongoing.

While technically considered a historical homicide, RCMP say the investigation into the unsolved murder of Doug Smith is active.

“It’s quite a long time, but the investigation into any such matter never stops until we have identified a suspect and determined whether or not there is evidence sufficient for charges,” said RCMP ‘K’ Division strategic communications officer Cpl. Hal Turnbull.

“Hopefully for the sake of the family and the community we will be able to identify a suspect or suspects in this particular matter.”

It was in the early morning hours of June 14, 2007 when firefighters responded to a house fire at Doug Smith’s 108 Street home. As crews battled the blaze, they found a body inside, which was later confirmed to be Smith’s.

The fire was immediately deemed suspicious and a homicide investigation was opened — the cause of death has never been publicly released.

“Mr. Smith’s death was ruled suspicious and subsequent investigation from the medical examiner gave us definitely the cause and manner of death,” Turnbull said.

Investigators determined a number of firearms and an unknown amount of Canadian and U.S. cash were taken from the home.

Smith’s daughter Judy Burns said the family remains hopeful the killer will be brought to justice.

“I think we would all like to have some closure in that aspect, but I don’t know if they’re going to be able to find them or not,” said Burns.

“You always hold on to that hope that somebody is going to come forward and there’s going to be a lead of some sort.”

Smith was a longtime local businessman who ran an auto salvage shop. He is described as an avid hunter, trapper and a likeable man.

“Later on in life he helped whoever came into the yard, whenever possible,” Burns said.

“I think he was well-liked by a lot of people.”

Turnbull, who previously worked with the RCMP Major Crimes Unit, was involved in the initial investigation and said it didn’t lead to any suspects.

“At the end of the day, even though we had spoken to a lot of people, a lot of witnesses, the investigation did not have any solid suspects identified at that time and that’s why it remains open today,” he said.

Nearly a decade without answers has taken its toll, Burns said.

“You still think about it every day. Why isn’t it solved? Or why can’t they find that person? But that’s the way it is,” she said.

“It’s not going to bring my father back an any way, shape or form, but it would be nice to have justice to whoever did it.”

Although many years have elapsed, Turnbull said the case is very much solvable. The key, he said, is people coming forward.

“We definitely know that there are individuals out there who know what happened at Mr. Smith’s residence on the night of the 13th and the early morning hours of the 14th of June, of that there is no question,” he said.

“Whether we’ll find it through investigation, or a member of the public steps up and provides us with the piece that we need, is a matter of time.”

Turnbull added it’s only a matter of time before they get a break in the case.

“Experience has shown, time after time, very few people can do something like this and not disclose at least something of it to someone else,” Turnbull said,

Burns said the family urges anyone with information to step forward.

“If anybody has any information, please go to the police and let them know,” she said.

The family initially posted a $10,000 reward for any information leading to charges, however those funds have since been donated to the Canadian Tractor Museum in Smith’s honour.

Anyone with information can contact the Westlock RCMP at 780-349-4491 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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