A man from central Alberta has been taken into custody this week in connection with a homicide case from 19 years ago, according to the RCMP. Alvin Lee Norman Green, a 42-year-old individual residing in Maskwacis, Alberta, was apprehended on Tuesday and charged with second-degree murder related to the death of Johnathan ‘Cody’ Saddleback, aged 24, in February 2007.
In a press release issued on Thursday, police highlighted the significance of community collaboration in resolving cold cases. Samson Cree Nation Chief Vernon Saddleback emphasized the importance of unity between the community and law enforcement in bringing closure to such longstanding investigations.
The incident dates back to February 2007 when authorities were alerted about a man in need of medical attention. Johnathan ‘Cody’ Saddleback was discovered unconscious in Samson Cree Nation, a constituent of Maskwacis, formerly known as Hobbema. Tragically, the man was declared deceased at the scene, prompting a thorough investigation by law enforcement.
Following years of community efforts to seek justice, Alvin Lee Norman Green was identified as a suspect through ongoing public interviews and community engagement, as stated by Cpl. Troy Savinkoff, a spokesperson for the Alberta RCMP, in an interview with CBC News.
Both the RCMP and Samson Cree Nation officials credited the successful arrest of Green to the improved relationships between community members and law enforcement agencies. Green is slated to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, located approximately 15 kilometers north of Maskwacis, for court proceedings in March.
Maskwacis is situated around 80 kilometers south of Edmonton.
