Nearly Six Years Later, Wetaskiwin Woman’s Disappearance Leads to Murder Charge

It has been almost six years since the disappearance of Twyla Evans, a beloved woman from Wetaskiwin, Alberta, without a trace. Her friends and family have been eagerly awaiting answers, and recently, there has been a significant development in the case.

Stan Cross, 49, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection to the death of Twyla Evans, who was only 39 years old when she went missing. The last time she was seen alive was on the evening of September 6, 2019, as per the information released by the RCMP during the initial stages of the investigation.

Despite exhaustive efforts by law enforcement, Evans’s remains have never been found. However, a recent breakthrough led to the arrest of Stan Cross, as announced by the Alberta RCMP last month.

While RCMP continues their efforts to bring Twyla home, her friend Kelly Campbell expressed her relief at seeing progress in the investigation. However, she also voiced her confusion over the lengthy timeline of the case.

When Evans disappeared, she was on her way to see a movie, although it remains unclear if she made it to the screening. Her green Jeep Compass was discovered the following day near a grocery store in the southern part of Wetaskiwin, approximately 70 kilometers south of Edmonton.

Upon her disappearance, the RCMP issued a statement expressing concern for Evans’s well-being and soliciting tips from the public. Subsequent updates were scarce until June 2025 when the arrest of Stan Cross was announced, following an investigation by the historical homicide unit.

Insp. John Spaans of the Wetaskiwin RCMP described the case as particularly heartbreaking due to the vulnerabilities Evans faced in her daily life.

According to Campbell, Evans, who enjoyed driving her Jeep and spending time with her son, did not fit the typical image of a vulnerable person. She was a regular individual leading a normal life, pursuing her interests, and taking care of her responsibilities.

Evans had been grappling with mental health challenges and had faced difficulties after unexpectedly losing her job in the years preceding her disappearance. Despite these struggles, she was described as a loving mother and a caring individual by those who knew her.

As the case progresses, Stan Cross is scheduled to appear in court in Wetaskiwin on July 15, marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for Twyla Evans.