RCMP UPDATE:
Update #2 – Peace River RCMP advise of heavy police presence in downtown area
Peace River, Alta. – On Aug. 1, 2023, Peace River RCMP responded to a call of an unresponsive male. The victim, identified as Fred Whitehead (44), was later pronounced deceased. Further investigation revealed a suspect who was then arrested and charged.
The Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit (MCU) currently has carriage of the continued investigation. As a result of their investigation, Derek Harold Ward (36) has been charged with second degree murder.
Ward was brought before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody with his next court appearance set for Aug. 14, 2023, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Peace River.
“We would like to reassure the public that we believe this to be an isolated event and that there is no danger to members of the public in relation to this incident”, said Staff Sergeant Browne, the Peace River RCMP Detachment Commander.
Peace River RCMP asks anyone with information in relation to this incident to please contact the Peace Regional RCMP at 780-624-6611 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8377 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
Courtesy of the RCMP:
Peace River, Alta. – On Aug. 1, 2023, Peace River RCMP responded to a call of an unresponsive male, who was later determined to be deceased. The Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit (MCU) currently has carriage of the continued homicide investigation. A person was arrested in relation to this investigation.
More details to follow once charges are laid.
