Review staff
It was a hectic week for members of the Rimbey Detachment of the RCMP as they were involved in both the investigation of a bus collision that occurred on Wednesday, April 9 and a suspicious car fire north of the community the following day that has resulted in a homicide investigation.
The bus collision, which occurred approximately seven kilometres northeast of Rimbey, claimed the life of 17 year-old Jennifer Dawn Noble and sent two other students to hospital, one of which was released the day of the collision while the other remains in critical but stable condition at an Edmonton hospital.
“We’ve completed all the interviews that we need and we’ve completed the examination of two of the three vehicles,” said Cpl. Ian McLean of the local RCMP. “Now the data that has been collected has to be examined by our collision analyst. He has working with him the Criminal Collision Investigation Team, suggesting that this is a criminal investigation, but because it involves the safety of youth, at this point in time the investigation is looking at any charges but more importantly, this investigation could be used in the future to prevent other accidents of this type.”
McLean said it could be a while yet until a final determination has been made into the cause of the collision, which occurred during extremely foggy conditions.
“We’re going to error on the side of time and we’re not going to rush into it,” McLean said. “I’m hoping we’ll have some definitive answers soon but for the time being, all I can say is we have completed our investigation to the final analysis.”
McLean added that there are currently six members of the RCMP – including two from the local Detachment, that are involved in the investigation.
He was also quick to acknowledge the many people who played a role in ensuring that things did not become much worse than they were while waiting for the RCMP and emergency services organizations to arrive on the scene, along with the professionalism they showed in performing their duties after arriving.
“I don’t think you could have been involved in a traumatic situation like that in New York City, and got the professional attention that was displayed by the local ambulance attendants and fire department that day,” he said.
In addition to recognizing the local fire department and ambulance attendants, McLean also mentioned average citizens who took it upon themselves to assist in any way they could such as members of the Alberta Highways Service who rushed to place flares on both sides of the collision scene; one particular gentleman who McLean said was stopping traffic with a flashlight and another gentleman who was kind enough to bring cups, sugar and hot coffee for all involved.
In particular, McLean acknowledged two individuals who were working at an auto body shop located very near the collision site who may have played a key role in making sure the scene was safe.
“As far as the two individuals who were working at the auto body shop, they went through great personal risk to go out on the highway and provide the assistance and comfort they could until our members arrived, and those two citizens will be getting some kind of recognition in the future,” McLean said.
RCMP release
Rimbey RCMP entered into an investigation on April 10, 2008, after the report of a vehicle fire northwest of Rimbey. Results from the Medical Examiner’s investigation has classified the death as criminal in nature. The exact cause of death is not being released at this time as it may impact on further investigation.
On Wednesday April 16, Rimbey and Wetaskiwin RCMP Detachments along with RCMP Major Crimes South executed a search warrant on a rural residence located northeast of Rimbey.
A female individual has been charged with three offenses after her arrest on April 17 at a rural residence northeast of Rimbey, Alberta. Gale Rhonda Van Oosterhout, age 47 of Westerose, Alberta has been remanded into custody for her appearance in Red Deer Provincial Court on April 21.
Van Oosterhout has been charged with the following: Accessory after the fact to Murder - Section 240 C.C., Indignity to a Human Body - Section 182 C.C. and Arson to a motor vehicle - Section 434 C.C.
Another female was arrested later Thursday April 17 and will be interviewed today. No charges have been laid in respect to this person, but are expected. Her name cannot be released until charges have been laid.
The 57 year-old male victim has been positively identified by the Medical Examiner’s Office and his identity will be released after notification of the next of kin. The residence is still subject to the existing search warrant but it is expected to be released by the RCMP later today.