SCOTLAND – Alberta RCMP are assisting Scotland Police in the murder investigation of a Westlock, Alta., woman who was killed in Sandness earlier this year.
Scotland Police found 24-year-old Claire Leveque deceased after they responded to a call about a disturbance in the Sandness area of the Shetland Islands around 4:55 p.m. on Feb. 11. Leveque’s boyfriend Aren Bylot Pearson, now 40, was arrested and charged with murder.
“We can’t say a lot, as it could jeopardize court proceedings,” Const. Cory Riggs, Public Information Officer for Alberta RCMP Media Group confirmed in an email. “I can say that we are supporting local [Scotland] police of jurisdiction in their investigation.”
According to Alberta court documents obtained by Town and Country Today, Pearson had numerous charges in Edmonton and area courts, which were mostly withdrawn.
In 2019 he was fined for possession of a substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. His charges of disobeying a court order and possession of property under $5,000 were withdrawn.
In 2018, charges of pointing a firearm, assault with a weapon, obstruction/resist a peace officer, careless use/storage of a firearm, uttering threats, disobeying a court order, possession of a weapon, unauthorized possession of a weapon, and unlawful use of a firearm were dismissed.
In 2017 his charge of assault with a weapon was withdrawn and resolved by way of a peace bond.
In 2013 charges of possession of break-in instruments and trespassing at night were withdrawn.
In 2012 a charge of possession of property under $5,000 and failing to appear in court were also withdrawn.
Pearson’s trial in Scotland on charges of murder, attempt to defeat the ends of justice, assault, and four counts of threatening or abusive behaviour is scheduled to start Oct. 6, 2025, in Edinburgh.
