Photo: Fifty years after the murder of 18-year-old Marie Goudreau, RCMP and her family are renewing their appeal for information. Investigators hope advances in time and perspective will encourage someone with knowledge of the 1976 homicide to finally come forward. Submitted

On the evening of Aug. 2, 1976, Marie Goudreau was returning home to Beaumont after dropping off a friend at the Edmonton International Airport and visiting friends in Edmonton. Shortly after midnight, her vehicle, a blue Plymouth Cricket, was located abandoned on a rural road south of Edmonton. The vehicle was found with the engine running, headlights on and Marie's personal belongings still inside. Two days later, Marie's body was discovered in a rural area north of Devon. An autopsy later determined she had been murdered.

Over the past five decades, investigators have pursued numerous avenues of investigation, reviewed evidence, and followed information provided by members of the public. Despite those efforts, Marie's homicide remains unsolved.

Investigators have long believed Marie was simply travelling home after an evening with friends. Marie was the youngest of eight siblings and had recently graduated from high school and was preparing to begin the next chapter of her life.

As August 2026 marks 50 years since her death, investigators and her family continue to seek answers and accountability for those responsible.

"Marie was our little sister, a bright, vibrant light who brought warmth, humour and endless energy into our family," said the Goudreau Family. "She had just finished high school and was excited about her future. Fifty years ago, our beloved sister was tragically taken from us, and the pain of that loss remains as deep today as it was then. Not a day goes by that we do not miss her presence and the future she was robbed of living.”

“Half a century later, her murder remains unsolved, leaving our family still searching for truth and justice. Somebody knows something—or suspects something. Even the smallest detail could help bring long-awaited answers. For our family's sake, if you have information, please come forward. It is never too late to do the right thing."

Investigators are reminding the public that information that may have seemed insignificant in 1976 may be viewed differently today. The passage of time can change perspectives, relationships and circumstances, and investigators remain hopeful that someone may come forward with information that could assist the investigation.

Anyone with information about the homicide of Marie Goudreau is asked to contact the Alberta RCMP K Division Historical Homicide Unit at RCMP.KHHU-KHHU.GRC@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or contact their local police service.