Calgary, Alberta – After an exhaustive investigation, we have charged a man in relation to the death of Judy MAERZ.
On Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the body of Judy MAERZ was discovered in Deerfoot Athletic Park, located at 1616 Eighth Avenue N.E. An autopsy conducted by The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that her death is the result of a homicide.
Following her death, homicide detectives worked around the clock to interview witnesses, collect forensic evidence and conduct an extensive review of CCTV from the area. Investigators also received a significant amount of information from the public, which helped to narrow down the timeline surrounding the homicide. Based on this, investigators were able to identify a potential suspect.
As a result, on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 300 block of Eldorado Place N.E., and took one man into custody.
It is believed that the victim and accused were unknown to each other and had met the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023. It is alleged that MAERZ was picked up by the accused, when she was driven to Deerfoot Athletic Park and ultimately killed.
Christopher Ward DUNLOP, 48, of Calgary, has now been charged with second-degree murder and indignity to a body. He will next appear in court on Monday, March 6, 2023.
“This was a very public and extremely disturbing murder,” says Staff Sergeant Sean Gregson of the CPS Homicide Unit. “The victim in this case was targeted by someone unknown to her, and we recognize these types of cases have an enormous impact on the sense of safety for Calgarians. Over the past two weeks, our investigators worked tirelessly to identify the suspect and secure key evidence, which led to these charges.”
Anyone who has information about this incident and has yet to speak to investigators is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips
Case #23068375/4071
Calgary Police Service
BACKGROUND
20 February 2023
Investigators seek CCTV from Renfrew and Mayland Heights in relation to Deerfoot Athletic Park homicide
Our homicide detectives have worked around the clock to investigate the homicide of a woman found in a northeast park last week.
On Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the body of Judy MAERZ was discovered in Deerfoot Athletic Park, located at 1616 Eighth Avenue N.E.
At this stage of the investigation, detectives are building a timeline of Judy’s final movements and are pleading for anyone with CCTV and dashcam footage to come forward.
“We have been making progress in piecing together Judy’s final activities through tips and information from the public and her associates,” said Staff Sgt. Sean Gregson of the Calgary Police Service Homicide Unit. “CCTV and dashcam footage have been critical in helping us narrow down our timeline of events leading up to the morning of Feb. 16, and we are asking for more video from the public to be able to complete the puzzle.”
In our initial news release, we requested dashcam footage from northbound Deerfoot Trail between Memorial Drive and 16 Avenue N.E., between the hours of 4 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
We continue to seek this dashcam footage and are also asking for video from residential or commercial CCTV cameras in the communities of Renfrew and Mayland Heights. Specifically, we are seeking footage from along the following routes, between the hours of 2 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023:
Eighth Avenue N.E. from 19 Street N.E. to Edmonton Trail
19 Street N.E. from 16 Avenue N.E. to Memorial Drive N.E.
Russet Road from Eighth Avenue to 16 Avenue N.E.
Sixth Street from Eighth Avenue to 16 Avenue N.E.
Edmonton Trail from Eighth Avenue to 16 Avenue N.E.
10 Street N.E. from Eighth Avenue to First Avenue N.E.
Citizens and business owners who have CCTV cameras in these locations, who have yet to speak to investigators, are asked to preserve their video and contact police to make arrangements to retrieve the footage.
BACKGROUND
16 February 2023
Homicide Unit investigating suspicious death in northeast Calgary
We are on scene and investigating after a body was found in Deerfoot Athletic Park.
At approximately 10:35 a.m., today, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, we were called to the Deerfoot Athletic Park, located at 1616 8 Avenue N.E., for reports that a citizen had located a body. Upon arrival, officers located a deceased individual.
Investigators are working with The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) to identify the individual, and at this time, the death is considered suspicious. An autopsy has been scheduled with the OCME for tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 17, 2023.
Detectives are asking anyone who may have been at the park today to come forward. Additionally, anyone who has a dashcam and was driving northbound on Deerfoot Trail between Memorial Drive and 16 Avenue N.E., this morning from 4 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., is asked to contact investigators.
“This investigation remains in the early stages and we are looking to speak with all potential witnesses,” says Staff Sergeant Sean Gregson of the Calgary Police Service Homicide Unit. “Individuals who attended or drove past the park this morning may have unknowingly seen something and may have critical information that could help investigators.”
No additional details are available at this time.
Calgary Police Service
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