The woman’s convicted killer was sentenced last November to 10 years in prison for manslaughter and weapons offences
Nearly three years after her death, the body of a woman killed by her former gambling partner has been identified after the discovery of human remains at a Banff National Park rest spot.
Following an autopsy last week on the remains recovered May 9, Calgary police on Monday said the victim was Vida Smith, who was killed July 21, 2020, by Kevin Barton, also known as Chris Lee.
Police say they received a tip last October regarding where Smith’s remains would be found — at a rest stop along eastbound Trans-Canada Highway between Banff and Calgary, a spot popular among picnickers, sightseers and cyclists.
But due to winter conditions and rugged terrain, they were unable to locate the remains until last week.
Victim had met Lee to sell ex-husband’s passport
Lee, 63, was initially charged with second-degree murder in the case but was acquitted of that charge last October, convicted instead of manslaughter.
He’d pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the start of the trial, but Crown lawyer Shane Parker proceeded with the murder prosecution.
Lee testified he had met with Smith, 69, for coffee on July 21, 2020, and for the purpose of purchasing what he thought was her ex-husband’s passport for $10,000.
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