Homicide could be related to extortion case
The murder of a Medicine Hat man on Mill Street earlier this month could possibly be connected with an extortion case that was under separate investigation, police say.
“Investigators have not ruled out that the homicide victim was selected by the offender or offenders, in an attempt to further the extortion,” said Police Chief Andy McGrogan, reading a news release Wednesday at the Medicine Hat Police Station.
The investigation into the extortion of an unnamed Medicine Hat residence was initiated on Oct. 10.
On Oct. 11, police responded to an ambulance call in the morning after a body was found in an alley near the intersection of Mill Street and Smelter Avenue. The victim, since identified as James Satre, lived in the home next to the laneway that stretched into fallow field near the Canadian Pacific rail line.
“While it has not been definitively confirmed that the files are connected, we can confirm that Mr. Satre was not the subject of any investigation by MHPS prior to his death, and did not lead a high risk lifestyle,” said McGrogan.
“Investigators are working on a number of different leads, and are working on them full time.”
On Monday, police received additional information potentially linking the two investigations and also “raised concerns that there is a threat to cause death to unknown citizens.”
As such, police are urging the public to be vigilant, report any suspicious activity to police immediately, and take measures for personal security — such as being aware of your surroundings, being cautious when in secluded places and when walking alone, and applying general home security principles.
“I can tell you in previous homicides, as you know, we’ve reported to the community that ‘You know what, you’re not at risk, it’s drug related, it’s lifestyle related, whatever ... we’re not able to do that at this time,” said McGrogan, saying they don’t know the extent of the risk at this time.
“There’s just been a threat to potential further harm, and we have a duty to inform our community when there’s a risk.”
Outside police resources are being brought in to assist with the investigations, although McGrogan would not comment specifically.
To “protect the integrity of both ongoing investigations,” police are limiting the information being released to the public.
Police also urged anyone with information related to either investigation to contact them at 403-581-1050 or provide at tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.