RCMP ID body found near St. Walburg, upgrade to murder investigation

RCMP have identified a body found just west of St. Walburg on New Year’s Day as 26-year-old Braeden Alfred James Sparvier.

In an update Friday, RCMP said — based on information gathered in their investigation — they’re going from considering the death
“suspicious” to murder.

Mounties closed a stretch of Township Road 542 in the RM of Frenchman Butte as part of the investigation and have not given an estimate on when it will reopen.

Police responded to a call about a man found dead on Wednesday around 5 p.m. in a rural area west of St. Walburg.

Anyone with information about Sparvier or his death is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or Turtleford RCMP 306-845-4520.

St. Walburg is located 90 kilometres northeast of Lloydminster.