Mother of missing teen Samuel Bird speaks out amid new developments

Months after the disappearance of 14-year-old Samuel Bird, his mother is speaking out following a recent development in the case.

Samuel was supposed to be celebrating his birthday on Sept. 21. Instead, his friends and family are still searching for answers after he went missing on June 1.

Edmonton police declared the teen’s disappearance suspicious earlier in the summer. In response, volunteers established a community command post to help with search efforts. Now, his mother says she’s holding onto hope after a recent police action connected to the case.

“It doesn’t really feel real yet because you know when you lose somebody, you have like a wake and like funeral and everything,” said Alanna Bird, Samuel Bird’s mother. “That’s just a part right now where I’m at, it still feels like shock.”

“There’s never a day that goes by, I’m in tears while I’m driving, I fall apart because I cannot handle what’s going on,” said Kookum, Samuel’s grandmother.

On Thursday, Edmonton police executed a search warrant at a residence in the Canora neighbourhood in connection with the investigation. By Saturday, police tape had been removed and no officers were present at the scene.

“I was just like almost like a miracle hearing that that day, and I really hope they found something that could you know,” said Alanna. “Maybe give us hope and find out what happened to Samuel.”

CityNews reached out to the Edmonton Police Service for comment but EPS has not confirmed the address, the reason for the warrant, or whether any arrests were made. However, Alanna Bird said the residence is connected to Samuel’s former partner.

“We will find Samuel Bird”

Volunteers at the community-led command post continue to be active, and organizers say the support has been growing.

“We have searched over 300 km of the riverbank of the river and different parts of the land, so we are narrowing things down,” said Dakota Bear, lead organizer at the command post. “Whether people come forward and speak, do the right thing or not, we will find Samuel Bird.”

Bird’s family and community members are asking for donations and volunteer support. Anyone with information about his disappearance is asked to contact Edmonton police or Crime Stoppers.