Elmars Kalejs: Police launch homicide investigation into father found with fatal injuries in Bedfordale

WA Police have launched a homicide investigation into the death of a beloved Armadale grandfather who was found with fatal injuries near a patch of bushland more than three months ago. Elmars Kalejs was spotted by a member of the public lying unconscious in the Settler’s Common Environmental Centre carpark, near Triton Crescent and Trundle Trail, in Bedfordale, about 12.30pm on April 18. The 53-year-old — who was found lying next to the driver’s door of his silver Holden Commodore sedan in which he had been living in for some time — suffered “clear and significant injuries” including head injuries and several broken ribs. He was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital where he died more than two months later on June 24. Mr Kalejs’ daughter, Courtney Mallard, pleaded for witnesses to come forward and said she “forgave” whoever was responsible. “We just want closure, we just want to know what happened and put our mind to rest,” she said. “I just want to say we forgive you, just please come forward.” Ms Mallard described her father as a “loving gentleman” and said she was heartbroken he never got to meet his youngest grandson. “It’s been pretty hard these last few months,” she said. “Elmars didn’t get to meet his final third grandson (because) he was injured, so that’s a bit hard. “He was a man that lived off the land; he walked from here to Katanning in a day and was a very loving gentleman.” Detective Senior Sergeant Jarrod Manson, of the Homicide Squad, said police were calling for witnesses who saw Mr Kalejs between April 17 and midnight on April 18. “If you were in Settlers Common, Bedfordale, within this time or driving along Albany Highway, we are seeking your assistance, and that is for dash cam footage or any movements where you might have seen Mr Kalejs,” he said. “Somebody out there may know what happened, and exactly how Mr Kalejs sustained these injuries. “We want to find that explanation and we believe that’s possible with the help of the community.” Det. Sen Sgt. Manson said police were pursuing several lines of inquiry and said there was no ongoing risk to the public. He said it was unclear how Mr Kalejs had sustained his injuries. “It’s the mechanism of his injuries that we’re unaware of at this point, so we’re keeping an open mind to how he’s sustained those injuries,” he said. Police have set up a mobile police facility near the City of Armadale Council Chambers. “There will be staff from the Homicide Squad speaking with people in and around the Armadale area seeking that information,” Det. Sen Sgt. Manson said. CCTV footage released by WA Police shows Mr Kalejs walking through a shopping centre carpark on April 18 wearing a backpack, cap and blue checkered shirt. At one point, Mr Kalejs turns around to look at something before continuing on his walk. Ms Mallard has since set up a GoFundMe to cover the cost of her father’s burial and funeral. “Dad suffered broken ribs, (a) collapsed lung and massive bleeding on the brain,” she wrote in a post. “He got better and then as quick as he got good again, he got worse. “Elmars was a gentle soul and had a heart of gold, he loved his family very much even though he was an independent man that preferred to live off the land alone.” The fundraiser — which has a target figure of $7000 — has raised $200. The investigation remains ongoing, and detectives are seeking anyone who has any information in relation to this incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via their website. Dash-cam, CCTV footage or mobile phone vision relating to this incident can be uploaded directly to investigators via this link.