'I go on this loop of sadness': 2021 homicide remains unsolved as Muirhead family members mourn

Norma-Jean Muirhead was found dead in her vehicle in southeast Calgary in December 2021, less than a month after she'd moved to this city from Trail, B.C.

Three years later, police are still working to solve the 35-year-old mother of two's homicide.

Police issued a new call-out for information from the public on Thursday.

"Every day without answers is a day filled with sorrow and uncertainty for Norma-Jean's family, especially her two children, who must endure the unimaginable pain and heartache of going about their lives without their mother," said Det. Lacey Murdock in a release.

"We urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward; your courage could be the key to bringing closure to this grieving family."

Muirhead's death was the 19th homicide of 2021.

Police said at the time officers were called to the 500 block of Cranston Drive S.E. just before 3 p.m. on Dec. 2, 2021, for reports of a "medical event."

Officers found Muirhead in a parked vehicle, unconscious and unresponsive.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

It's believed she was killed in the early hours of Dec. 1, 2021.

It's also believed her death was targeted.

Family speaks out

Saturday, Muirhead's sister and mother spoke to CTV News about the emotional anguish they've experienced and frustration they feel.

“It's been extremely hard," said her sister Anna Anurukem. . "She was really, like, the glue to our family. Ever since then, it really has been broken for us.

"I distinctively remember the screams from that night and I have nightmares about it," she added. “I go on this loop of sadness and nobody can get me out.

“It's hard knowing that there's people out there that know (the killer's identity), or the person who did it is just walking around free.”

Teresa Muirhead and her daughter Anna Anurukem spoke with CTV News about their frustration and fears about the lack of closure in the 2021 death of Norma-Jean Muirhead, Anna's sister. (Photo courtesy Anna Anurukem and Teresa Muirhead)

Those feelings of being emotionally paralyzed were echoed by her mother Teresa Muirhead.

“It's been really hard to move forward with our life because there's people out there that know stuff, and there's somebody that's just running free that committed a crime, and who knows?" Teresa said. "They could do it to somebody else. It's just not right that justice hasn't been served.”

“Words can’t even explain what it’s like, it’s just not the same. It’s never going to be the same," she added.

“I would like to face that person," she said. "Whoever did this, to look me in the eyes and see what they've done to her whole family.”

Rylee Bogs, Norma-Jean's daughter said she continues to struggle.

"It's been really hard to navigate in my life," Bogs said. "Just trying to get through each day."

As for the investigation, the family has full confidence in the Calgary police's efforts to identify her killer.

“I don’t have a doubt,” said Anurukem.

“I think they are trying their best,” said Muirhead.

Police noted on Thursday that Muirhead had ties to Edmonton as well as Trail and Calgary.

Anyone with information about her death is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, calgarycrimestoppers.org or via the P3 Tips app.

With files from CTV's Melissa Gilligan