Was this case ever solved?
In 1914 Leonard Stephens came to Canada from England. He made his way to the Peace Region and filed on 16-72-10-6 as well as 27-72-10-6 near Beaverlodge. Another Homesteader Samuel Timmins filed on 22-72-10-6.
Both men were trappers and set out together in 1922 to check their lines. Leonard’s family realized that he and Sammy were late on returning and contacted the R.C.M.P.
The R.C.M.P. investigation turned up the bones of the men and a grisly discovery – the men had been killed by bullets to the back of the head.
In 1926 a notice was placed in the newspaper for claimants on the estate of Leonard Alfred Francis Stephens. It states his date of death as on or about February 15, 1923.
Leonard was buried at Riverview Cemetery in Goodfare.
Less is known about Samuel Timmins; I am not even sure where he was buried.
This story was brought to the attention of the archives by a researcher. If you know anything more, let us know and we will share it with the interested party.
Today the person interested in this case has informed us that this was not murder after all but a case of men who were inexperienced in dealing with the harsh weather in the area. More information can be found in an article in the Shoulder Strap (a Police publication) July 1940 or by calling or visiting SPRA.
Photo: Beaverlodge, 1930
Source: Information on the murder victims was found in Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 35-36
Written by Researcher Patricia Greber