After a lengthy investigation, Strathcona County RCMP say they have charged two people in connection to the death of a 48-year-old woman, one of whom is the victim's sister.

Betty Anne Gagnon was pronounced dead by EMS personnel at a convenience store in a rural area east of Edmonton on November 20th, 2009. Police are not releasing a cause of death, but say the nature of her injuries prompted an investigation looking into foul play.

"When EMS arrived there were signs of visible trauma to EMS and the police officers that attended," said Cst. Wally Henry with Strathcona RCMP.

Police blocked off a home at RR. 214 and north of Twp. Rd . 524 for several days after the incident, but would not confirm the residence's link to the case.

On Saturday RCMP announced they had gathered sufficient evidence to arrest 44-year-old Denise Margaret Scriven and her 30-year-old husband Michael Lee Scriven.


The two accused, both from Strathcona County, are being charged with the following offences :

  • Manslaughter

  • Unlawful confinement

  • Two counts of assault

  • Failure to provide necessaries of life

  • Conspiracy to commit extortion


    The two have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear in a Sherwood Park Provincial Court on Wednesday July 7, 2010 at 9:30 a.m.