RCMP investigating suspicious death in Ponoka County

PONOKA COUNTY -- RCMP have begun an investigation into a suspicious death in Ponoka County.

While details are extremely limited at this time, police say the incident involved the death of a 92-year-old man. Corporal Gina Slaney says the individual was found deceased on a rural property on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at around 11:25 a.m. 

"Upon arrival, RCMP located a 92-year-old male, who was the homeowner, deceased on his property," said Cpl. Slaney. "The circumstances surrounding his death appear to be suspicious, so the RCMP's Major Crimes Unit has been called in and they've taken carriage of the investigation."

Slaney wasn't able to provide any additional details as to the exact area of the residence, nor if the body was discovered inside a residence or outdoors. She says more information is expected to be released in the coming days.

"We're hoping that in the next couple of days we will have more details for you," said Cpl. Slaney. "This media release was just to calm everybody in the area, just so they know that this is being investigated fully."

The body of the deceased male has been transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Calgary, who will perform an autopsy on Thursday, Feb. 26.  Ponoka RCMP believe that there is no current threat to the public.

If you have any information regarding this incident, please call the Ponoka RCMP at 403-783-4471. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).