The Unsolved Murder of Rita Amy Powder: A Heartbreaking Mystery
Missing person Rita Amy Powder. On June 19, 1977, tragedy struck Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. An older man walking along the north bank of the North Saskatchewan River made a horrific discovery—the lifeless body of 20-year-old Rita Amy Powder. Her murder, found in dense underbrush near the Low Level Bridge, remains unsolved.
The Discovery of Rita Powder
The man who found Rita’s body stumbled upon a horrifying scene. Her remains were nude and surrounded by torn underwear scattered around the area. She had endured a brutal assault, including seven stabs to her chest and neck. Adding to the horror, she was also beaten severely on the head.
Furthermore, evidence showed that Rita fought to survive. Investigators determined she crawled up to 37 feet after the attack before succumbing to her injuries. They also estimated that her murder took place 36-48 hours earlier. Unfortunately, the murder weapon, believed to be a small-bladed knife, was never located.
Tracing Rita’s Final Hours
To piece together her last moments, investigators turned to witness accounts. Rita was last seen alive on June 17, 1977. She had been drinking with her brother Leonard and friends in Edmonton’s lively 96th Street area.
During that evening, witnesses recalled seeing her moving between local hotels. By 11:30 p.m., she was spotted for the last time near one of these establishments. Leonard, reflecting on that evening, remembered her joyful demeanor and said, “She always drank happily.”
Although her family hoped for her safe return, their worst fears were confirmed days later. The shock of her sudden disappearance reverberated through her close-knit family and community.
Who Was Rita Amy Powder?
Rita’s life, though marked by challenges, was filled with love and resilience. She was a proud member of the Alexander First Nation and a mother of three children. Tragically, one of her children had already passed away, while the other two were in foster care.
At the age of 17, Rita moved to Edmonton to start anew. She met a man, started a family, and built a life. However, her journey was not easy. Raised by her older brother Mike and partly in foster care, Rita had faced significant adversity. Despite this, she maintained strong connections with her siblings.
Being the youngest of ten children, Rita shared deep bonds with her family. However, their sorrow deepened when her sister also tragically died from a drug overdose shortly before Rita’s murder. Despite these losses, Rita and Leonard had recently decided to turn their lives around. They pledged to stop drinking and planned to enter a treatment facility together.
The Police Investigation
As authorities delved into the case, they described the attack as frenzied and deeply personal. Behavioral profiling suggested that the perpetrator likely had a history of petty theft and occasional bouts of uncontrollable violence.
Although leads were pursued, investigators failed to make an arrest. The case has since grown cold, but Edmonton police continue their efforts to uncover the truth behind this brutal crime.
A Call for Justice
Rita’s murder serves as a grim reminder of violence against Indigenous women in Canada. Decades later, her family and community still seek justice. Her case highlights the urgent need to address systemic issues contributing to these tragedies.
Authorities urge anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward. Even a seemingly minor detail could help break the silence surrounding this case.
If you know anything about Rita’s murder, please contact the Edmonton Police at 780-423-4567. Every lead brings hope for justice.
Remembering Rita
Although her life was tragically cut short, Rita’s memory endures through her family. They remember her as a loving sister, a devoted mother, and a woman with aspirations for a better future. Her laughter and resilience remain etched in their hearts.
Through advocacy and awareness, they continue to honor her legacy. Rita was not just a victim—she was a vibrant soul whose story deserves to be told.
How You Can Help
Bringing justice to cold cases like Rita’s requires community effort. Here’s how you can help:
- Contact Police: Share any relevant information with the Edmonton Police.
- Spread Awareness: Use social media to amplify Rita’s story.
- Advocate for Change: Support initiatives aimed at ending violence against Indigenous women.
Together, we can seek justice for Rita Amy Powder and ensure her story is never forgotten.
Sources
- Edmonton Police Reports
- Family Interviews and Media Coverage
- Public Case Records
