The Murder of Brenda Lee Meyers - Calgary, Alberta, Canada - March 19, 2006

Author: A.B.

On the night of March 19, 2006, 41-year-old Brenda Meyers was closing up Madison’s Cafe on Brentwood Road NW in Calgary, Alberta, where she worked as the business manager. Around 11:35 p.m., a fire alarm was triggered, prompting the Calgary Fire Department to respond quickly to the scene.

When firefighters arrived, they found a small fire in the lower level of the café, near the office and storage area, but the building’s sprinkler system had already contained most of the flames. As responders searched the premises, they discovered Brenda’s body on the basement floor.

At first, people wondered if her death was just a sad accident, however an autopsy conducted ten days later confirmed that Brenda had been brutally attacked and murdered. Investigators determined that the fire had been deliberately set, likely in an attempt to destroy evidence or cover the killer’s tracks.

Brenda Lee Meyers, born November 17, 1964, was well-known and respected in her community. She worked her way up from waitress at Louie’s Pizza and Lounge to business manager. Brenda was dedicated, friendly, and very committed to her work. Outside of work, she played on a local baseball team with her husband, Jim, and loved spending time with her son, Adam, often bringing him along on outings and camping trips. She wasn’t involved in any risky behavior or criminal activity, which only raised more questions about the attacker’s motives.

Fire Re-enactment

The case quickly grew cold, with few leads. In an unusual move, Calgary Police re-enacted the fire in 2011 by setting a controlled blaze in the abandoned restaurant. Investigators wanted to study how the fire spread and whether it was meant to delay the discovery of Brenda’s body. Despite this uncommon step, police have never disclosed any specific results or new evidence from the re-enactment.

DNA Evidence and a Person of Interest

DNA evidence collected at the scene in 2006 wasn’t fully analyzed at the time due to technological limitations. With advances in forensic science, these samples have since been re-examined. Years ago, Calgary Police identified a person of interest in connection with forensic efforts, including DNA testing, but have not released any results or details about the individual since. 

Possible Motive

Investigators have not publicly disclosed a specific motive. However, the brutality of the attack and the deliberate arson suggest Brenda was specifically targeted. The timing—late at night, when she was alone—implies premeditation and possibly a personal motive. There is no evidence of robbery, reinforcing the belief that the killer’s intent was focused on Brenda herself.

As of 2025, her case remains open and unsolved. Police continue to appeal to the public for any information that could help solve the murder of Brenda Meyers.

 

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