Canadian Forces veteran Melissa Dumaine Whitegrass charged with the June 2020 murder of her ex-common-law partner Austin James (AJ) Forsyth

Lethbridge Police Service responded to a report of a vehicle and pedestrian collision in the west alley of the 900-block of 13 Street South on June 1st 2020 at approximately 4:40pm.

Police said a yellow Dodge Ram, fled the scene before police arrived.

30-year-old Austin James (AJ) Forsyth of Lethbridge was located by police and paramedic, suffering from serious injuries. Forsyth was rushed to Chinook Regional Hospital where he died of his injuries.

Lethbridge Police Service Violent Crimes Unit continued with its investigation and on March 2nd 2021 Melissa Dumaine Whitegrass, 37, of Lethbridge, was arrested and charged woth first-degree murder, dangerous driving causing death, and assault with a weapon.

Police said Whitegrass and Forsyth were involved in a common-law relationship until 2017, and there had been no previous domestic violence incidents between the two that they are aware of.