By Shaun Penner

Maskwacis

Grande Prairie man identified as victim found in March house fire in central Alberta

Oct 20, 2021 | 1:01 PM

Alberta RCMP’s Major Crimes Unit says human remains discovered at the scene of a house fire in central Alberta in March of this year were those of a 26-year-old Grande Prairie man, and a Red Deer woman has been charged with murder in his death.

Tyler Johnson was reported missing by the Edmonton Police Service back on February 4, who said at the time Johnson had not been heard from since January 12, 2021. Authorities said his last known locations were Edmonton, Wetaskiwin and Maskwacis.

It was then on March 8 the RCMP’s Major Crimes Unit became involved as part of an investigation into human remains which were found inside a home which had recently burned down near Maskwacis, located about 70 km south of Edmonton.

An autopsy conducted shortly thereafter confirmed the identity of the victim to be Tyler Johnson.

The remains of 26-year-old Tyler Johnson were found inside a Maskwacis home which had burned down in March, 2021 (Photo: Edmonton Police Service)

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

Further investigation then led to the arrest of 32-year-old Brianna Ruf-Dietz of Red Deer on October 12 for the murder of Johnson. Authorities say the arrest took place in Edmonton.

Following a judicial hearing, Ruf-Dietz was remanded into custody and her next scheduled court appearance is in Wetaskiwin Provincial Court on October 26.