Mystery of decades-old Edmonton killing leads to police search for rural well

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EDMONTON - Police are searching for a well in their investigation of a missing Edmonton senior believed to have been killed decades ago.

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EDMONTON – Police are searching for a well in their investigation of a missing Edmonton senior believed to have been killed decades ago.

Ruth Clarke, who was 83, was last seen in November 1990.

Police say their investigation has led officers to a farm in an area north of Edmonton.

This composite of handout images shows Ruth Clarke, left and centre, an 83-year-old female who was suspected to have been murdered in 1990, and police searching for her remains, right. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Edmonton Police Service (Mandatory Credit)
This composite of handout images shows Ruth Clarke, left and centre, an 83-year-old female who was suspected to have been murdered in 1990, and police searching for her remains, right. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Edmonton Police Service (Mandatory Credit)

Detectives believe the woman’s remains were hidden in a hand-dug well likely covered with brush or debris.

They are asking landowners and anyone familiar with the areas of Morinville, Barrhead, Westlock, Rochester and Redwater to come forward with tips about possible well sites.

Clarke’s nephew Richard Wetmore says the family is thankful police have worked so hard to find out what happened.

“We are very appreciative for all that has been done, and that they continue to want to find her remains so that our family may be able to lay her to rest next to her husband, as she wanted,” Wetmore said in a news release Wednesday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2025.

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