Edmonton, Alberta (January 2, 2007)
On May 9, 2006, the RCMP issued a news release providing details of charges sworn against Thomas George Svekla in the death of Theresa Merrie Innes, whose body was discovered at a Fort Saskatchewan residence on May 7, 2006. Svekla was charged with one count of second degree murder and one count of offer an indignity to a human body.
Project KARE, an RCMP-led unsolved homicide and missing person's task force that is an integrated joint forces operation with the Edmonton Police Service, has been analyzing more than 70 cases dating back several decades. Every tip, piece of evidence, person of interest and avenue of investigation must be thoroughly investigated and documented. This process ensures investigators are diligent in pursuing a complete, thorough and exhaustive investigation. Today's technology also enables investigators to examine details from numerous other cases and identify linkages or commonalities.
On June 11, 2004, Thomas Svekla reported the discovery of the body of Rachel Quinney in a wooded area near Sherwood Park, Alberta. Today the efforts of numerous investigators from Project KARE, various RCMP detachments and specialized units, along with municipal policing partners throughout Alberta, have resulted in Thomas George Svekla being charged with one count of second degree murder and one count of offer an indignity to a human body in relation to the death of Rachel Quinney. Svekla is scheduled to appear on these charges in Edmonton Provincial Court on January 4, 2007, at 10:00 A.M in courtroom 265. Project KARE investigators have met with the Quinney family to advise them of the charges sworn in relation to the death of their loved one.
The RCMP was not able to speak publicly to the possibility of these charges prior to today. When a charge is sworn police must have reasonable grounds to believe an offence has been committed and evidence has been obtained that will support such beliefs. It would have been irresponsible and detrimental to the investigative process to speak publicly about this or any other investigation until the charges were sworn and in the public domain.
The resources of Project KARE continue to actively investigate all homicides under their mandate; their work is not done. Nor does this second charge suggest that our task force or our investigative efforts will be reduced. Rather, these most recent charges strengthen our determination and commitment to do all we legally can to solve all of these crimes and to bring everyone responsible before the courts. Project KARE continues to assert that one or more persons are responsible for one or more deaths of Edmonton and area sex trade workers. Accordingly our work is far from being considered over.
Project KARE continues to investigate all tips from the public. This is a key component to any investigational process. In June 2005, Project KARE, in partnership with Criminal Intelligence Service Alberta and the Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security ministry announced a $100,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the deaths of victims meeting Project KARE's mandate. This reward remains in place for tips passed along regarding Project KARE investigations. Reward
Anyone with information, regardless of how trivial it may seem, is asked pass along their tips to:
Project KARE, Toll Free: 1-877-412-KARE (5273)
Project KARE, locally: 495-KARE (5273)
KARE Web Site: www.kare.ca
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Media contact
Wayne A. Oakes, Cpl.
Media Relations Officerl
RCMP "K" Division
Media & Communications Services
(780) 412-5260
