RCMP issue public plea regarding 50-year-old murder investigation

BEAUMONT -- Alberta RCMP have issued a renewed plea for information following the 50-year anniversary of the murder of Beaumont resident Marie Goudreau.

On the evening of Aug. 2, 1976, Goudreau was returning home to Beaumont after dropping off a friend at the Edmonton International Airport and visiting friends in Edmonton. Shortly after midnight, her vehicle, a blue Plymouth Cricket, was located abandoned on a rural road south of Edmonton. The vehicle was found with its engine running, headlights on, and Marie's personal belongings still inside.

Two days later, her body was discovered in a rural area north of Devon. An autopsy later determined she had been murdered. Over the past five decades, police say that investigators have pursued numerous avenues of investigation, reviewed evidence, and followed information provided by members of the public.

Despite those efforts, Marie's homicide remains unsolved as of today. Marie's family says she was the youngest of eight siblings, had recently graduated from high school, and was preparing to begin the next chapter of her life.

"Marie was our little sister, a bright, vibrant light who brought warmth, humour, and endless energy into our family," said the Goudreau Family. "She had just finished high school and was excited about her future. Fifty years ago, our beloved sister was tragically taken from us, and the pain of that loss remains as deep today as it was then. Not a day goes by that we do not miss her presence and the future she was robbed of living."

The Alberta RCMP Historical Homicide Unit is reminding the public that information that may have seemed insignificant in 1976 may be viewed differently today. The passage of time can change perspectives, relationships, and circumstances, and investigators remain hopeful that someone may come forward with information that could assist the investigation.

Anyone with information about the homicide of Marie Goudreau is asked to contact the Alberta RCMP K-Division Historical Homicide Unit at RCMP.KHHU-KHHU.GRC@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or contact their local police service.