Don, Roxanne Carlson's family hopeful with new homicide investigation lead
CBC News | Posted: February 13, 2015 8:24 PM | Last Updated: February 14, 2015
"We can not for any reason understand why this happened"
The family of a murdered couple say they're excited with the new lead in the police investigation.
It's been a year since Don and Roxanne Carlson were killed, and on Friday police released composite sketches of two men they want to speak with in connection with the case.
"All it's going to take is one thing, one piece of information," Don Carlson's brother Rob told CBC News. "For us, we don't get closure until they catch and convict somebody who did this."
The double homicide has baffled investigators and the family since the couple was found in their Lake Bonavista home. Police have never said how they died.
"We can not for any reason understand why this happened," Carlson said.
Investigators with the major crimes unit feel the same way.
"We are still at a loss," said Insp. Steve Barlow at a news conference Friday morning. "We're pulling out all the stops."
On the afternoon of Feb. 15, 2014, the Calgary Fire Department responded to an alleged carbon monoxide complaint at a residence in the 12200 block of Lake Erie Road S.E.
Carbon monoxide was quickly ruled out and the homicide unit was brought in to investigate.
"It's actually been very very difficult. We're looking two individuals in their home, no ties to any criminal activity … and so it's been a very long drawn out investigation and it's been very difficult for members of the CPS as well as specifically for the family members," Barlow said.
"These were just two great people, two professionals, members of the community, raised kids, coached hockey," Carlson said.
The two men in the drawings were seen near the Carlson home around the time of the killings. Investigators are not calling the them suspects or persons of interest, but are hopeful they might be able to push the case forward.
A witness spotted the first man on Lake Erie Road on the day the couple died last year. He is described as Caucasian, in his 40s, with long dirty blond hair and a slim build.
A second man was seen in the 200 block of Lake Erie Road S.E. on Feb. 14, 2014. He is described as Caucasian, in his 30s, 6 feet tall, with dark hair.
Pickup truck seen
Police also believe a recent-model silver or grey pickup truck, possibly a Toyota, was present near the Carlson's residence just before their bodies were discovered.
An anonymous contributor is offering a $25,000 reward for information directly responsible for the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for killing the Carlsons.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact the homicide unit directly at homicidetips@calgarypolice.ca or by phone at (403) 428-8877.
Members of the public who want to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers, which is offering an additional cash reward of $2,000 for tips that lead to an arrest.