Social media to the rescue
August 6, 2011 by admin
Filed under Choosing Lingerie
In just one day, social media has proven to be a helpful tool in generating tips for homicide detectives.
“Having the post on Facebook and YouTube has definitely generated more tips that have come through,” said Noreen Remtulla, police spokeswoman.
On Thursday, Det. Dan Jones announced the unit would be turning to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube as way to generate tips and reach out to a younger audience for a jump in solving homicide cases.
One example of these new tools is a short video posted on YouTube by police that outlines the case of Edmonton’s 32nd homicide of the year.
As of Friday afternoon, one day after its posting, there were almost 300 views on the video that walks viewers through details of the case and includes photos.
Remains of the victim, tentatively identified as 27-year-old Kyle Gayda pending autopsy results, were found in Gayda’s burned-out Chevrolet Impala found half a kilometre west of 156 Street near St. Albert Trail in a field near trees.
The blaze was reported at 2 p.m. last Wednesday.
A Facebook memorial site has been set up for Gayda.
Tracy Ewanchuk joined the group not because she knew Gayda, but rather because she finds the circumstances of his death tragic and wanted to offer her condolences to the family.
“(I) felt I needed to say something,” said Ewanchuk. “Regardless of life’s path, a young death, (and) homicide to boot, is not acceptable and I still care.”
Police said the body was burned beyond recognition and there’s no doubt the blaze was intentionally set with the victim inside the vehicle.
Jones said Gayda was originally from British Columbia, but has been in Edmonton for several years.
To view the video search EPSVideoOnline on YouTube or visit youtube.com/watch?v=1_nDMOtnpCg
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222- TIPS or police at 780-423-4567.
jasmine.franklin@sunmedia.ca
@SUNJasmineF
