Man charged in death of Vida Smith

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Calgary police have charged a man in the death of a woman reported missing last week.

Vida Smith was travelling from Chestermere to Calgary on July 21 to meet a friend but failed to return home.

On Wednesday, police released information about a friend that Vida allegedly met with while she was in Calgary.

The next day officers found the friend in northwest Calgary and arrested him without incident.

Investigators have also recovered Vida’s 2002 Nissan Altima, which police were previously looking for.

Officers believe an argument, which occurred between a man and a woman inside a white SUV, parked on the west side of the Sunridge ATB in northeast Calgary may be related to the investigation.

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A 60-year-old man now faces charges of manslaughter in Vida Smith’s death.

It’s believed the man charged travelled from Calgary to Edmonton on July 22 and police are asking anyone who may have seen something suspicious to contact them.

“In addition to searching for Vida’s remains, we are still investigating possible motives,” said S/Sgt. Martin Schiavetta of the CPS Homicide Unit.

“Our condolences go out to Vida’s family and we are committed to finding them answers.”

Police believe the man recently shopped at the Best Buy on 137 Avenue NW in Edmonton and are looking for his vehicle, a a beige Cadillac Escalade.

If you have any information on this case you’re asked to call Calgary police or Crime Stoppers.