Calgary mother makes plea to public for help in locating murdered son’s body

Shane Eric James Smith’s family members reported him missing on Sunday, June 7 and are now hoping to locate his body as soon as possible. He was last seen on June 6 in McKenzie Towne, say police.

On Thursday, Smith’s sister Cassandra and his mother Shirley spoke during a police news conference and begged for help from the public to assist them in finding closure.

Shirley said their small family will be shattered forever after the murder of Smith.

“Never did we ever think something like this could ever destroy our lives,” she said while crying. “My amazing son, gone. Just like that.”

Shirley called him “everyone’s best friend,” and someone who was “loved by all.”

“To think he left this world at the hands of (someone) who he thought was his friend is unbearable,” Shirley said. “What’s worse, (is) the accused has hidden our beautiful son from us.”

“He does not deserve to be out there all alone. Give [him] the dignity and the respect he deserves.”

Three charges including second-degree murder have been laid on Ian Charles Abercrombie in connection to the 20-year-old's murder.

Investigators however, are still unable to recover Smith’s body, which his family says is making it tough for them to heal.

“My family and all of Shane’s amazing friends need to say goodbye,” Shirley added.

She urged people in smaller communities outside of Calgary to “check your fields and ditches.”

“We are very desperate. Please help us.”

In a news release, police said on June 11 that they believe smith’s murder occurred at a residence southeast of Calgary on June 6.

Cassie said she last spoke with her brother because she “needed to talk with someone” while having a bad day.

“He talked me through it, and texted me after to tell me that he loves me and he was sorry he couldn’t come over that night because he had commitments in the morning.”

“Look at the pictures, hear the stories and give my beautiful, amazing baby brother the respect that he deserves,” Cassie said. “Please let my family do what we never imagined we’d have to do and lay Shane to rest properly.”

“I know my life will never be the same. No, he won’t dance with me at my wedding. And he will never meet my children. I know my parent’s lives will never be the same… So please, I beg you, give us this at least.”

Staff Sgt. Colin Chisholm said on Thursday that the Calgary police homicide unit is under the impression that certain people know where the young man’s body is located.

“We anticipate other individuals will be brought to justice in relation to this investigation,” Chisholm noted.

People with information on the case are asked to contact police at 403-266-1234 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers.