RCMP say they are pursuing “persons of interest” into the murder of Innisfailian Oleg Alex Cusnir, whose body was found in his burning pick-up truck last week east of town.
“We have persons of interest we are pursing during this investigation,” confirmed Staff Sgt. Chris Matechuk, the commanding officer of the Innisfail RCMP. “It is still early. We have no suspects but we have persons of interest and we are following that up.”
On Sunday (May 18) RCMP held a press conference at the Innisfail detachment. Investigators are appealing for the public's assistance to help the RCMP with any information that might lead to an arrest.
“Most definitely, and that is why we are engaging the media and asking for any assistance that could help us with this investigation,” said Matechuk.
Cusnir's burning 2010 grey Ford F-350 pick-up truck was discovered by a passerby at about 2:30 p.m. on May 15, about two kilometres south of Highway 590, just off Rge. Rd. 273.
The Innisfail Fire Department and RCMP were immediately called to the scene, said Matechuk.
““Our response time was very quick. At the time the vehicle was in flames and the fire department put the vehicle out and located a deceased person in the vehicle,” said Matechuk, adding the deceased was later identified as Cusnir, 27, an Innifailian, who lived in Red Deer before moving to town. “Mr. Cusnir is not related to the property where he was found.”
Matechuk said investigators now know the cause and time of death but are not releasing that information as the investigation is in its early stages.
Matechuk said he could not speak to a motive, nor would he say whether the murder took place at the scene where the burning vehicle and body were found, or if the homicide occurred somewhere else and the deceased's body was moved.
He said he had “no knowledge” whether Cusnir was involved in the drug trade, or if his murder was targeted. However, Matechuk added RCMP do not believe the deceased was involved in organized crime.
In the meantime, the investigation is moving forward with the RCMP Calgary Major Crimes Unit taking the lead in the case, said Matechuk, whose detachment is assisting.
“We have lots of officers involved in this investigation as far as numbers. It will change daily,” said Matechuk, adding the search and examination for clues at the scene where Cusnir's burning vehicle and body was found has been completed. “We have located evidence but we can't divulge what type or what it is. It is too early in the investigation to release any of that.”
As for Cusnir's background, Matechuk said investigators are probing for clues.
“We are following all avenues so everything will be looked at in a thorough nature,” said Matechuk.
He said RCMP investigators have been talking to Cusnir's family about the case, adding members are seeking privacy at this time to deal with their personal loss.
Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to contact Innisfail RCMP detachment at 403-227-3341, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or text: tttTIPS to 274637
