Investigators working to determine what led to the May 30 discovery of a deceased male in his 20s have no reason to believe Sundre residents or those in the surrounding area are in danger.
“If there was an issue about public safety, there would be much more information coming forward to caution the public,” said Cpl. Hal Turnbull on Tuesday, July 19.
The circumstances under which the male died are still being determined as investigators continue to work through the evidence, which includes the medical examiner's report and related tests as well as information gathered at the scene, he said.
“They're waiting for all the evidence to come in.”
As of last week, the death had not been deemed accidental, nor had it been confirmed a criminal act. However, there were no new developments to disclose, he said.
Sundre RCMP officers, as well as other officers from outside detachments, attended the scene at a residence in the 100 block of 2nd Street S.W. on Monday, May 30. Police have, to date, only confirmed that the deceased was a male in his 20s.
The Calgary medical examiner conducted an autopsy on Tuesday, May 31, but the cause of death was as of last week still to be determined pending the release of that report.
Turnbull told the Round Up that investigators remain in contact with the deceased's next of kin.
Regardless of whether the investigation determines the circumstances that led to the death are criminal or accidental, police must be able to back up their conclusion with facts and evidence, he said.
“We tread a tight line. We need to be able to say how we came to our conclusions.”
In criminal death cases, investigators must be meticulous and careful to present the best case possible before the court. But even in accidental or natural death cases, police have to be just as meticulous and be able to defend their position, he said, later adding that this investigation is still ongoing.
“We don't want to miss anything.”
