RCMP seeking public’s assistance in house fire and homicides near Castor

RCMP in Coronation announced Friday that a house fire near Castor, where the remains of Gordon Klaus, age 61, and his daughter Monica Klaus, age 40, were found after the fire, was set intentionally.

Sandra Klaus, age 62, remains unaccounted for, but police have stated that her remains may have been completely burned in the intense fire.

Police and the Fire Department were first called to the scene of the fully engulfed rural residence on Dec. 8 between 7:30 and 8 a.m.

First responders found the family dog deceased at the scene; the Calgary Medical Examiner’s office confirmed later that the animal suffered a fatal gunshot wound, and police now believe that the deaths of Gordon and Monica are as a result of a homicide.

A 2003 white GMC Sierra truck associated with the Klaus farm was found abandoned on Dec. 11, at the intersection of Highway 36 and Township Road 400, just a few miles south of Alliance.

RCMP say, “We believe this vehicle was utilized by the person or persons responsible for the murders of Gordon Klaus and Monica Klaus, to depart the property.”

Police are seeking the assistance of the public in calling tips as to the vehicle that was recovered.

If anyone was out and about in that area on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 8, police are asking them to, “Please take a moment to look at the map, and the vehicle’s picture, and call the RCMP Calgary Major Crimes Unit at 403-699-2655 or Crime Stoppers if you have any information.