Tragedy in St. Albert as Young Mother Found Deceased and Infant Daughter Missing
A heartbreaking case has shaken the community of St. Albert, Alberta, where the remains of a 23-year-old mother were discovered, and her nine-month-old daughter is now missing and presumed deceased. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have made an arrest in connection with what they describe as a profound tragedy.
Charges Laid Following Discovery of Woman's Remains
On Friday, January 23, 2026, St. Albert RCMP responded to a report of a suspicious item at an apartment on Rivercrest Crescent. There, officers discovered the body of a woman, later identified by the medical examiner as Ayla Egotik-Learn, aged 23. The investigation quickly revealed that her infant daughter, Braylee Beasley, was unaccounted for.
By Tuesday, January 27, 2026, investigators had arrested Christopher William Beasley, 33, of St. Albert. He now faces one count of second-degree murder and two counts of indignity to a body. Beasley was taken before a Justice of the Peace, remanded into custody, and is scheduled to appear next Monday at the Alberta Court of Justice in St. Albert.
RCMP Express Profound Sadness and Continue Search
At a news conference held Thursday at Edmonton's K Division headquarters, RCMP officials expressed their deep sorrow over the case. Inspector Wayne Stevenson, officer in charge of the serious crimes branch, stated in a poignant release: "A woman and her child should be planning tomorrow, not being mourned today. I am deeply saddened for this family and extend my heartfelt condolences to all those that loved them."
Stevenson emphasized that while investigators moved swiftly to make an arrest, the child is now presumed dead. The search for Braylee's remains continues, with police indicating they have identified a specific search area. The investigation involved the Alberta RCMP major crimes unit, the Edmonton forensic identification section, and the St. Albert RCMP general investigation section.
Complex Investigation Involved Hundreds of Tasks
Inspector Stevenson detailed the extensive efforts behind the case, noting the rapid deployment of experienced investigators who performed hundreds of individual tasks in a short timeframe. These tasks included working closely with the medical examiner, conducting numerous interviews, gathering forensic evidence, and obtaining judicial authorizations.
"Being the officer in charge of the serious crimes branch, investigations like this are a reminder that every successful investigation begins with a tragedy," Stevenson added. He commended the officers for their dedication to an investigation that truly makes a difference in seeking justice for the victims.
The community of St. Albert, located approximately 16 kilometers northwest of Edmonton, is left grappling with this devastating loss as the legal process begins and the search for answers continues.
