The months-long search for 14-year-old Samuel Bird has come to a heartbreaking end. The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) confirmed Thursday that the boy’s remains have been located in a rural area outside the city, and a second-degree murder charge has been laid in connection with his death.
Bird, a member of the Paul First Nation, had been missing since June 1, when he left his west Edmonton home to visit a friend. His disappearance prompted an extensive search by family, community members, and police.
Mother Confirms Discovery
Samuel’s mother, Alanna Bird, announced the tragic discovery on social media Thursday morning, writing that her son’s remains had been found and expressing gratitude to everyone who supported the family during the four-month search.
“We finally have Samuel home,” she wrote, thanking search volunteers, police, and community members who “shared his poster, showed up at rallies, and refused to give up.”
Murder and Multiple Charges
Police later confirmed that Bryan Farrell, 38, has been arrested and charged in connection with Bird’s death. Farrell faces second-degree murder and interfering with a body, along with 13 additional charges, including:
Aggravated assault
Arson to property with disregard for human life
Unauthorized possession of a firearm
Assaulting a peace officer with a weapon
Uttering threats
Fraud over $5,000
Court records show Farrell’s arson charge is tied to a west Edmonton property that Samuel visited on the night he disappeared. Police executed a search warrant on the residence on Sept. 18, and less than two weeks later, the home was destroyed in what EPS described as a suspicious fire.
Investigators also confirmed Farrell has been accused of threatening a woman in connection to Samuel’s mother, Alanna Bird.
Police Confirm No Other Suspects
EPS said in a statement that Farrell is the only suspect in Samuel’s death and that no other individuals are being sought at this time.
“After a lengthy and complex investigation, we are pleased to be able to conclude this file and hopefully bring some measure of resolution and justice to Samuel’s loved ones, who have been searching tirelessly for him,” said Det. Jared Buhler of the EPS Homicide Section.
A Community in Mourning
The discovery of Samuel’s remains has left the Paul First Nation and the Edmonton community grieving but grateful for closure after months of uncertainty.
Tiera Williams, who helped organize search efforts—including a water search along the North Saskatchewan River—said she was overwhelmed by emotion when she heard the news.
“I cried when I found out,” Williams said. “We never stopped looking for him. I just wish the outcome had been different.”
Timeline of the Case
June 1: Samuel Bird leaves his home in west Edmonton to visit a friend.
June 1 (8:30 p.m.): Surveillance footage captures Samuel walking through the Holy Cross School grounds in the city’s west end.
September 18: Police execute a search warrant at a home near 150th Street and 106th Avenue — the last known location where Samuel was seen.
Late September: The same home is engulfed in flames; police label the fire as suspicious.
Early October: Investigators announce that Samuel’s disappearance is considered criminal in nature and that they believe he is dead.
October 16: EPS confirms that Samuel’s remains were found in a rural area outside Edmonton and that a suspect is in custody.
Ongoing Investigation
Police continue to process evidence and have not released details about how Samuel died or how investigators located his remains. The EPS Homicide Section and forensic teams remain actively involved in the case.
Community Response
Vigils are being planned in Edmonton and on the Paul First Nation to honor Samuel’s memory. Community leaders have expressed outrage and sorrow, calling for justice and greater protection for Indigenous youth.
As the legal process moves forward, Samuel Bird’s family says they are focused on healing and honoring his life.
“Samuel was full of light and love,” said one family member. “He deserved so much more time.”
Anyone with additional information related to the case is urged to contact the Edmonton Police Service or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
