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UPDATE: RCMP make an arrest following death of 52-year-old Smoky Lake woman

An Edmonton woman is facing second degree murder charges.
crime-scene
The Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit were called in to attended the scene and have now taken over the investigation.  File photo.

UPDATE - On Oct. 26, RCMP released an update stating the Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit had made an arrest in relation to the Oct. 15 alleged homicide of a 52-year-old woman from Smoky Lake.

The victim, Jennifer Degenhardt, and the accused, Bernadine Nowlan, 56, were known to each other, according to police.

Nowlan is from Edmonton and was arrested in Fort Saskatchewan on Oct 22. Nowlan has been charged with second degree murder.

"This incident is believed to have been isolated and targeted," according to RCMP.

Following a judicial hearing, Nowlan was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in Fort Saskatchewan Provincial Court on Oct. 28.

ORIGINAL STORY:

SMOKY LAKE – On Oct. 15, at about 6:20 p.m., Smoky Lake RCMP responded to a call to assist EMS with a possible sudden death at a residence in Mons Lake. 

According to RCMP, following the arrival of EMS and Smoky Lake RCMP to the residence, a 52-year-old female from Smoky Lake County was declared deceased at the scene by EMS.  

An initial investigation by the Smoky Lake RCMP into the death of the 52-year-old was deemed suspicious, said police.

The Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit were called in to attended the scene and have now taken over the investigation.   

Alberta RCMP Major Crimes, along with the assistance of Smoky Lake RCMP and RCMP Forensic Identification Services, are continuing to investigate the suspicious death. 

“An autopsy was completed by the Edmonton Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the manner of death is homicide,” wrote RCMP Cpl. Kelly Sikorski in a statement.  

As the investigation is ongoing, no further details can be released at this time, added Sikorski.  

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