Calgary police are continuing their investigation into an undetermined death in the northwest community of Bowness.
Calgary Police Service (CPS) officers discovered the body as investigators were conducting a search of a residence located in the 7900 block of 36 Avenue NW around 10:30 a.m. on July 16. They were at the location due to an ongoing investigation.
An autopsy was completed on July 18, 2023, by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) which ruled the cause of death undetermined. CPS is continuing to work with the OCME to identify the woman.
Police said the cause of death is still undermined and not criminal in nature. They believe the woman’s death may have been caused by a drug overdose that went unreported. They said first responders were not contacted when she was initially found.
Neighbours in the area where the woman’s body was found said that location has been a problem for the past five years. They said police had been to this location in the past. The Calgary police confirmed this in a statement to LWC.
“We can confirm that the home where the body was located was known to police,” they wrote in an email response.
“We have responded to both multiple calls for service, as well as officer-generated calls there in the last year. The calls varied in nature, however the home was known to be a problem location.”
CPS noted in a media advisory that in Canada the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides certain legal protection for individuals who are in need of emergency assistance during a drug overdose to reduce the fear of police presence and legal repercussions.
This act aims to protect individuals from beings charged with possession of a controlled substance, however, the moving and disposal of a body can result in criminal charges.
Investigators have spoken with witnesses and are currently in the process of collecting CCTV footage. Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234.
