Police tape in front of the building along 4th Avenue S. in Lethbridge (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge Police investigating ‘suspicious death’

Apr 28, 2020 | 6:53 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – City Police are investigating what they’ve labeled a ‘suspicious death’ at a residential building on the 1200 block of the street.

Officers on scene said a wellness check was conducted at a unit on the first floor of the building Monday morning, which led to the discovery of the body of a 43-year old man inside one of the apartments.

Greg Draper, a resident in the neighborhood, said he first spotted police at the building at around 6:30 Monday morning.

“Police were showing up, didn’t know why but it’s a usual occurrence. We always see the police daily here,” he told LNN.

“I don’t know what was different from today other than they were here longer…then we noticed the news crews out front and listened to the radio and there was a news report about a suspicious death, which doesn’t surprise me at all.”

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An LPS Forensic Identification Unit van in the back lot of the residential building (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

Draper said regular police presence is a cause for concern.

“Especially when you see some of the people that sort of just hang around outside. I know that they’re not residents. They just kind of stay around in the area. When you go out into your backyard, they’ll slowly disappear [and] walk away,” he said.

However, Draper noted that aside from the one problem residence, the rest of the neighbourhood is friendly and safe.

“All the people on this street are responsible [and] friendly,” he said.

“I know all my neighbours around here. The only problem is the [residential building] has a revolving door on the front, so there’s always new people coming in.”

He remarked that the neighbourhood is a “perfect area” to live in, but he hopes something can be done to address issues surrounding the residential building.

Lethbridge Police confirm the body is being sent to Calgary for an autopsy and there will be no further information until that is complete.

Preliminary evidence suggests there is no ongoing risk to neighbours or the general public.