Calgary police have issued an emergency alert for armed suspect Benedict Kaminski, 38, believed to be involved in the double murder of his wife and her father. The tragic incident unfolded on the night of Sunday, December 29, 2023, when officers found two victims: a man in his 70s and a woman in her 30s at separate locations, sparking widespread concern.
According to police reports, at approximately 9:30 p.m., authorities were called to the 0 to 100 block of Kincora Grove N.W. Upon arriving, they discovered the body of the older victim. An hour later, at 11:15 p.m., a second scene was investigated at Tuscany Ridge Heights N.W., where the female victim was found, believed to be the daughter of the deceased male.
"Right now, the timeline is unclear," stated Inspector Lee Wayne of the Calgary Police Service (CPS) major crimes unit. "The CPS were called to Kincora at 21:30 last night—so 9:30 p.m.—where we found one of the deceased—the male deceased—and then we subsequentially went to the address where there were additional concerns raised by family members, and that's where we found the female deceased." A police investigation continues to piece together the events leading up to these tragic deaths.
Shortly after the discovery of the victims, the CPS issued the dangerous person alert at around 12:15 p.m. on December 30, advising residents of Calgary and the nearby community of Bearspaw to be on high alert for Kaminski. He is described as about 183 centimeters (6 feet) tall, with brown and grey hair and brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a distinctive grey, red, and white T-shirt. Police believe he is driving a black 2022 Nissan Pathfinder with Alberta license plate number CLN 5276.
Police are urging the public to remain cautious, stating, "We do very much think this was a targeted incident, but we go through a risk-assessment process at every stage of the investigation... once we start to see certain behaviors or concerns get raised, we then look toward utilizing the public's help." This stance marks the police's effort to engage the community as they work through the investigation, which currently suggests the deaths were domestic and targeted.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of public safety throughout this process; they have encouraged people not to open their doors to strangers and to report any sightings of the suspect by calling 911 immediately. Meanwhile, they have stated they do not want anyone to interact with Kaminski, as he is considered dangerous. "We don't want anyone to interact with this individual," stated Wayne.
While police have mentioned Kaminski is not known to them and has no previous convictions, the motive behind the killings remains unknown. This lack of clarity only intensifies concerns as family members and the broader community grapple with the shock of the recent events.
Anyone with information related to the incident or Kaminski's whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Calgary Police by calling 403-266-1234. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers through various means, including their website and hotline. Community assistance is seen as a pivotal part of bringing resolution to this case.
This double homicide is yet another stark reminder of the tragic consequences of domestic violence, drawing attention to issues surrounding safety and the urgent need for community vigilance. With uncertainties still clouding the investigation, the hope remains for swift justice and solace for the victims' families.
Authorities continue to investigate this severe case, determined to piece together the harrowing details surrounding the deaths, as Calgary's residents face the reality of violence within their city.
Stay tuned for updates as the investigation progresses.