2015-12-15 Alberta Crown says forensics, phone records tie Vader to McCann killings | Canadian Press
Published by Bretton McCann,
Travis Vader is shown in an RCMP handout photo. The Crown says forensic evidence and cellphone records tie Vader to the murder of two Alberta seniors who have never been found.In a case summary, made public after a publication ban was lifted, the Crown says it has forensic tests that tie Travis Vader to the couple's SUV.THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - RCMP
EDMONTON - The Crown says forensic evidence and cellphone records tie a suspect to the murder of two Alberta seniors who have never been found.
In a case summary, made public after a publication ban was lifted, the Crown says it has forensic tests that tie Travis Vader to the couple's SUV.
The Crown says Marie McCann's blood was found inside as well as Lyle McCann's hat with a bullet hole in it.
The Crown alleges that Vader used the couple's cellphone the afternoon of July 3, 2010 — the last day they were seen alive.
None of the allegations has been tested in court, and the Crown states that the defence "does not admit these facts."
Vader is to go to trial on first-degree murder charges before a judge alone early next year.
His lawyer is trying to have the long-running case thrown out. He argues problems with disclosure from police and the Crown amount to an abuse of process.
"The Crown's case is dependent upon circumstantial evidence, motive and exclusive opportunity, forensic evidence and post offence conduct evidence," the case summary reads.
The McCanns, both in their late 70s, were last seen fuelling up their motorhome in their hometown of St. Albert, a bedroom community north of Edmonton.
They were on their way to a family camping trip in British Columbia.
The burned-out motorhome was discovered in a wooded area near Edson, Alta., two days later. The SUV they were towing was found at a different location more than a week after that.
Their bodies have never been found and Vader was charged after police had publicly named him as a suspect.
© Copyright Times Colonist
