The search for missing Indigenous teen Samuel Bird in Edmonton has tragically concluded. Police now believe the 14-year-old, who disappeared in June 2025 after leaving home to visit a friend, is dead and the case is being treated as a homicide. His parents expressed their heartbreak, with his mother emphasizing he should be remembered for his love and spirit, not his disappearance. Police believe Bird’s body was disposed of on land and concealed. They searched a duplex linked to the case before it was damaged by fire. Authorities are appealing to the public, particularly those who frequent an area west of Edmonton, to be vigilant for any remains.

Highlights

Here are the highlights from the article in bullet points:

* The search for missing Indigenous Edmonton teen Samuel Bird has ended tragically; police believe he is dead and his death is a homicide.
* Samuel Bird, 14, was last seen on June 1, 2025, leaving his home to visit a friend.
* Police deemed his disappearance suspicious in August and appealed to the public for tips.
* Samuel’s father and mother expressed their grief and the deep impact of his loss.
* Police believe Samuel’s body was disposed of on land and concealed.
* A duplex in the Canora neighborhood, which was damaged by fire, was previously searched in connection to Bird’s disappearance.
* Police have conducted multiple searches and are asking the public, especially those who frequent an area west of Edmonton, to be on the lookout for his remains.
* Samuel’s mother wants him remembered as a loved son, brother, cousin, and friend, not just a headline.

A Community Mourns: The Tragic End to the Search for Samuel Bird

The hope that once burned so brightly, fueled by a community’s unwavering determination, has been extinguished. The search for Samuel Bird, a 14-year-old Indigenous teen from Edmonton, has ended in heartbreak. Despite the tireless efforts of search parties that drew volunteers from hundreds of miles away, including from Manitoba, the investigation has taken a devastating turn.

From Missing Teen to Homicide: A Criminal Investigation Begins

Edmonton Police Det. Jared Buhler announced Wednesday that authorities now believe Samuel Bird is dead, and that his death is the result of a criminal act. The case is now officially being treated as a homicide, plunging the community into mourning and demanding justice for Samuel.

The Last Sighting: A Fateful Evening

Samuel was last seen on the evening of June 1, 2025, when he left his home, intending to visit a friend in the Canora neighborhood. What should have been a simple visit turned into a nightmare scenario, leaving family and friends in agonizing uncertainty for months.

A Suspicious Disappearance Sparks a Plea for Help

In August, as weeks turned into months with no sign of Samuel, police declared his disappearance suspicious and appealed to the public for any information that could help locate him.

The Human Cost: “A Hole in My Heart That Will Never Be Filled”

The emotional toll on Samuel’s family is immeasurable. During Wednesday’s police update, Samuel’s father, Justin B. Bird, struggled to contain his grief. “Sammy was a huge part of my life,” he said, his voice thick with emotion, “and now there’s a hole in my heart that will never be filled.”

This father’s words echo the pain of countless families who have experienced the unfathomable loss of a child. The raw, visceral grief underscores the profound impact Samuel’s disappearance and death has had on his loved ones.

“Shattered Lives”: A Mother’s Heartbreak

Samuel’s mother, Alanna Bird, reacted to the news of her son’s death with devastating heartbreak. She stated that Samuel’s disappearance has “shattered lives in ways that cannot be measured.”

Remembering Samuel: Beyond the Headlines

In a poignant statement, Alanna urged the public to remember her son not as a news story or a case file, but as a beloved individual with a vibrant spirit. “His laughter, his spirit, and his love are what defined him, not the circumstances of his disappearance,” she emphasized.

This plea underscores the importance of honoring Samuel’s memory by focusing on the joy and light he brought to the world, rather than the darkness that ultimately consumed him.

The Investigation Unfolds: Concealment and Suspicion

Det. Buhler revealed disturbing details about the investigation. “We believe Samuel’s body was disposed of on land, and that steps were taken to conceal the body to avoid detection,” he stated. This revelation paints a grim picture of the efforts made to cover up the crime.

A House Fire and a Search Warrant: Connecting the Dots

Police confirmed that a duplex near 106 Avenue and 151 Street in Edmonton’s Canora neighborhood, which was damaged by a fire on Monday, had been previously searched by investigators in connection with Samuel’s disappearance.

Timeline:

• June 1, 2025: Samuel Bird last seen.
• September 18, 2025: Search warrant executed at the Canora neighborhood duplex.
• Recent Monday: Fire damages the same duplex.

This connection raises further questions and adds another layer of complexity to the investigation. “This residence is the same location where a search warrant was executed on Sept 18, 2025,” Buhler confirmed. “That search warrant was executed in relation to the disappearance of Samuel Bird.”

An Appeal to the Public: Help Bring Samuel Home

Despite the grim circumstances, police are continuing their efforts to locate Samuel’s remains. Buhler stated that police have conducted three searches using specialized personnel and canine resources and continue to work to target a specific area where Samuel’s remains may be located.

A Map and a Call for Vigilance

Police have released a map of the area west of Edmonton where they believe Samuel’s remains may be located. They are urging the public, especially landowners, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts who frequent the area, to be vigilant and report any suspicious findings.

Key Areas to Watch:

• Rural areas west of Edmonton
• Landowners and hunters: Pay close attention to your surroundings
• Report any unusual or suspicious findings to the police

This appeal highlights the crucial role the public can play in helping to bring closure to Samuel’s family and ensure that justice is served.

The Plight of Indigenous Youth: A National Crisis

Samuel’s story is a stark reminder of the disproportionately high rates of missing and murdered Indigenous people in Canada. According to a 2019 report by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Indigenous women and girls are 12 times more likely to be murdered or go missing than non-Indigenous women in Canada.

• 12x: The increased likelihood of Indigenous women and girls being murdered or going missing compared to non-Indigenous women.
• Systemic Factors: Poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to resources contribute to this crisis.
• Call for Action: Urgent action is needed to address the root causes of this violence and ensure the safety and well-being of Indigenous communities.

This is not just a statistic; it represents real lives, real families, and real communities devastated by loss. Samuel’s case underscores the urgent need for systemic change and increased support for Indigenous youth.

A Call to Action: What You Can Do

While the search for Samuel has ended, the fight for justice and the effort to prevent future tragedies must continue. Here’s how you can help:

• Stay Informed: Educate yourself about the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people in Canada.
• Support Indigenous Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that support Indigenous communities and advocate for justice.
• Speak Out: Raise awareness about this issue and demand action from elected officials.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you have any information about Samuel’s case or any other missing person, contact the Edmonton Police Service immediately.
• Be Vigilant: If you are in the area west of Edmonton, please be on the lookout for anything that could help in the search for Samuel’s remains.

Remember Samuel Bird. Remember his laughter, his spirit, and his love. Let his memory inspire us to work towards a future where all Indigenous youth are safe and valued.

If you have any information regarding the disappearance or death of Samuel Bird, please contact the Edmonton Police Service at (780) 423-4567 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Your help could make a difference.