Police stationed outside Alfred Belyea's home on Sunday. His wife Deborah is charged with second degree murder and is expected to appear in court on Oct. 18 (Tiffany Goodwein/CHATNewsToday)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Brief court appearance, adjourned to Nov. 1

‘Our hearts are broken’: community mourns death of county councillor as investigation continues

Oct 18, 2021 | 5:30 AM

SUFFIELD, AB – Police in hazmat suits were stationed outside the home of Cypress County Councillor Alfred Belyea over the weekend.

According to RCMP, Belyea was reported missing on Oct. 11, and on Friday, Oct. 15 he was found deceased.

Police confirmed on Saturday that his wife, 68-year-old Deborah Belyea has been charged with second-degree murder and causing an indignity to a human body.

Flags stood at half-mast as news of the tragic incident spread fast in the sleepy hamlet of Suffield.

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“Basically shock. Why this happened, I have no idea,” said Suffield resident Keith Durose.

“I spoke to him about a week before, about the catch and release program, and some other stuff, and he seemed fine,” he said.

Over the weekend, officers appeared to be focusing on a red pickup truck parked in the driveway.

Residents on Belyea’s street declined to talk on camera but used words like “sad” and “absolutely mindblowing” to describe the situation.

Cypress County, a region where Belyea served as a councillor for six years issued a statement. Reeve Dan Hamilton said he is incredibly shocked and saddened to hear of Belyea’s death.

“Everyone at the county will miss his kind spirit, devotion to his work, and love for the county and the community of Suffield,” Hamilton said.

The tributes continued on Facebook. Cypress County Councillor Robin Kurpjuweit said our hearts are broken and described Belyea as a kind and loving man.

“Inside of council, he was a keen listener. He was fair. He was respectful. He was Alf. He was a quiet servant of the public and the county is a better place for his efforts. Outside of council he was a friend, support, an encourager. He had a special soft spot for our children in foster care and shed many happy tears seeing them do well or join our family thru adoption,” Kurpjuweit said.

Police said Belyea’s remains were found by officers. But what they aren’t disclosing yet is where they were found.

“With matters like this sometimes certain facts and information can’t be released for various reasons, and in this particular case it has not been released just yet,” said Cpl. Troy Savinkoff.

A tearful and timid Deborah Belyea, carrying an oxygen tank, made a brief court appearance via CCTV on Monday, Oct. 18. The case was adjourned until Nov. 1 and she was remanded into custody.

Meantime, police are wanting to speak to anyone who may have seen or interacted with Belyea up until Oct. 8.