Community partnership and courage lead to arrest in a 2007 Samson Cree Nation homicide
The Alberta RCMP Historical Homicide Unit (HHU), in collaboration with the Maskwacis RCMP, has arrested a suspect in a homicide investigation dating back to Feb. 2007.
The case originated in what was then known as Hobbema, on the Samson Cree Nation. For nearly two decades, investigators and community members have sought answers in the file. While many historical cases are solved through modern forensic advancements, this breakthrough was rooted in the resilience of the community and a strengthening partnership between residents and the police.
The victim has been identified as 24-year-old Maskwacis resident Johnathan “Cody” Saddleback
On Jan. 20, 2026, 42-year-old Alvin Lee Norman Green, a resident of Maskwacis, was arrested without incident. Green has been charged with second-degree-murder.
Green was taken before a Justice of the Peace and remanded into custody. He is scheduled to make his first appearance at the Alberta Court of Justice in Wetaskiwin on Jan. 22, 2026. To protect the integrity of the judicial process, no further details will be released.
“We understand the deep importance of investigating these decades-old files and the lasting impact they have on our community,” said Inspector Richard McKay, Officer in Charge of the Maskwacis RCMP Detachment. “In many instances, these files are solved through advancements in technology; however, in this case, it was traditional police work that led to charges being laid. This was truly a result of members of the community—both those with key knowledge and those without—working with police as a partnership. I hope this serves as a shining example of the strength and courage this community has to come forward with information on these very old cases.”
Chief Vernon Saddleback, of the Samson Cree Nation, emphasized the role of collective action in the healing process. “For our Nation to heal and remain resilient, we must work together to bring closure to the families who have carried these burdens for so long,” said Chief Saddleback. “This arrest shows the importance of our community working alongside the police to close these old files. When we stand together and share what we know, we create a safer and more just path forward for all our people.”
“Our Historical Homicide Unit is committed to seeking justice regardless of how much time has passed,” added Inspector Breanne Brown, Officer in Charge of the Alberta RCMP Serious Crimes Branch.
The Alberta RCMP continues to work closely with Crown prosecutors as the case proceeds through the justice system. Community members with additional information related to this investigation, or other unsolved homicides, are urged to contact the Alberta RCMP Historical Homicide Unit at RCMP.KHHU-KHHU.GRC@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Cpl. Troy Savinkoff
Public information Officer – Central Alberta District
Alberta RCMP Media Group
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