Connection probed in man’s homicide
Investigation to determine if victim was tied to confrontation at home
Investigators are working to determine whether a confrontation at a southeast Calgary home is connected to the homicide of a man found dead early Wednesday.
Officers were called before 6 a.m. by a passerby who was concerned about a man’s welfare.
When police arrived to the 2600 block of 43rd Street S.E. in Forest Lawn, they found Jonathan Joe Schmeikal, 34, of Calgary, dead at the scene. “He was in a bit of a concealed location between a couple of vehicles so he was hard to find,” said Staff Sgt. Doug Andrus with the homicide unit.
An autopsy was conducted but the cause of death is not being released at this time.
“He did live in the area up until three weeks ago for a period of time. It’s possible he was returning to see somebody he knew, but again, that would only be speculation at this point,” Andrus said.
Through neighbourhood inquiries, police learned there had been a confrontation at a nearby home before Schmeikal was found dead, Andrus said, adding investigators are working to determine whether it’s related to the victim.
Police are conducting a forensic examination of the home, which is expected to take several days. “We want to ensure that we conduct a complete and thorough search of the residence,” Andrus said.
Neighbours had told reporters they heard shots fired earlier in the morning.
Andrus said officers searched the area but found no physical evidence confirming shots had been fired, although officers are keeping an open mind.
Investigators don’t believe this was a random incident, but have not yet determined a motive.
There is nothing to indicate this was alcohol or drug-related, Andrus said.
No one has been taken into custody and police have no suspect description at this time.
Police are looking at obtaining CCTV to help with the investigation. Andrus said this case is not related to the homicide investigation on Centre Street N.W.