Charge upgraded to first-degree murder for man accused in Vida Smith disappearance

A 60-year-old Calgarian has had his manslaughter charge upgraded to first-degree murder in connection with the suspected death of a Chestermere woman who went missing in July. Vida Smith, 69, was reported missing by family after she failed to return home following an appointment in northeast Calgary on July 21. Smith's vehicle, a 2002 Nissan Altima, has been recovered but she has not been located. A police investigation into the disappearance resulted in the arrest of Kevin Barton, a friend of S