Calgary

Young man wanted on 1st-degree murder charge after woman found dead in backyard

A 21-year-old man is being sought on a first-degree murder charge after a woman was found dead in the backyard of a home in northeast Calgary.

Adam Bettahar, 21, may be driving a dark blue Ford Explorer with Alberta licence plate BZH-5688

Adam (Abderrahmane) Bettahar, 21, is wanted in connection with the death of a woman whose body was discovered in Marlborough Park on Sunday morning. (Calgary Police Service)

Calgary police are looking for a suspect wanted for first-degree murder after the body of a young woman was found in the city's northeast on Sunday morning. 

Abderrahmane Bettahar, 21, who goes by Adam, is described as six feet tall with a slim build, light skin, brown hair and brown eyes. He is believed to be driving a 2004 dark blue Ford Explorer with Alberta licence plate BZH-5688.

He was originally considered a person of interest in the investigation. A Canada-wide warrant has been issued. 

The body of a woman in her 20s was discovered about 9:30 a.m. on Sunday in the backyard of a home in the 1000 block of Maitland Drive N.E.

Evidence at the scene led them to be believe the death was suspicious, said police.

An autopsy was conducted on Monday.

The identity of the victim has not yet been released, but police anticipated that information would be released on Tuesday.

Police told reporters Monday afternoon Bettahar "was associated to the residence" where the body was found, but would not say if he lived there. He was not known to police.

Bettahar should be considered dangerous and anyone who sees him or the vehicle is asked to call 911 immediately, said police. He should not be approached.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. 

Calgary police say Bettahar may be driving this dark blue Ford Explorer. (Calgary Police Service)