The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is asking for the public’s help in solving the theft of the Emily Murphy statue from Emily Murphy Park. The bronze statue was reported missing on February 26, 2025, after it was discovered that it had been stolen sometime earlier in the month.
According to the EPS, city staff noticed that both the statue and its accompanying plaque were missing from the park. The plaque was first noticed gone on February 19, 2025, and the statue was last confirmed to be in place on February 4, 2025. It was then found missing on February 26.
“The statue was removed from the base using specialized cutting tools and, due to its weight, was likely moved out of the park using heavy-duty transport equipment,” says Det. Mona Gill with the EPS Investigative Response Team (IRT). “We are hopeful that someone using the park after hours may have noticed this type of suspicious activity near the statue and can provide information that will assist with our investigation.”
The statue, which honors Emily Murphy, one of Canada’s first female judges and a key figure in the women’s suffrage movement, is an important symbol for the city. Its theft has left many in the community concerned about the safety of public art.
Investigators are now asking anyone who was in Emily Murphy Park between February 4 and February 24, 2025, and noticed anything out of the ordinary to get in touch. Those with information are urged to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Tips can also be anonymously submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.