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Cranbrook RCMP describe arrest of murder suspects

On April 4, 2015, Cranbrook RCMP officers arrested two murder suspects in relation to a missing persons investigation.

On April 4, 2015, Cranbrook RCMP officers arrested two murder suspects in relation to a missing persons investigation which originated in Alberta. After receiving information that the two suspects may be traveling through Cranbrook, local officers spotted the vehicle at approximately 10 p.m.

Staff Sgt. Dave Dubnyk said that through a strategic and well-executed plan, the suspect vehicle was stopped and both subjects were taken into custody without incident. Their vehicle was seized and later subject to a forensic examination in Cranbrook.

"The arrest involved officers from Cranbrook detachment, the Cranbrook/Kimberley Crime Reduction Unit as well as the Cranbrook Police Dog Service,” explained Dubnyk.  “The arrest was very well planned and carried out ensuring the safety of the police officers, the general public and also the two subjects taken into custody”.

Arrested were Cody Kenneth Bauer, 24, of Calgary, Alberta and Kristopher Goerzen, 22, of Brooks, Alberta. Following the arrest, both Bauer and Goerzen were transported back to Calgary where they have since been charged with first degree murder in the disappearance of Nick Lush.

The subsequent investigation carried out in Cranbrook included a forensic examination of the suspect vehicle that was seized at the time of the arrest. This involved officers from the Cranbrook General Investigation Section and Cranbrook Forensic Identification Section working with officers from a Major Crime Unit and Forensic Identification Section out of Alberta.

"This was a solid co-ordinated effort by the officers involved and a very good example of strong communication in spite of the investigation crossing several jurisdictions and provincial boundaries," Dubnyk added.

On March 29, Cochrane RCMP received the report of a serious assault which occurred along Highway 1 near Cochrane. That same day, Alberta RCMP received a separate complaint of a missing person. As each investigation progressed it became apparent there was a connection between the two incidents. Investigators in Alberta quickly identified two persons of interest as well as a suspect vehicle.