Charge upgraded to murder in case of missing Chestermere woman

The charge against the man accused of killing missing Chestermere womanVida Smithhas been upgraded to murder.

Kevin Barton appeared Wednesday in court, where his manslaughter charge was upgraded tosecond-degree murder.

Smith, 69, was last seen on July 21. Her body has not been found.

The two had a years-long friendship and business relationship, police said at the time of Baron's arrest.

They were involved in the blackjack scene in Alberta and beyond, according to CBC sources, and were renowned card counters with ties to casinos across the country and in Las Vegas.

• Guns and gambling: New details in the mysterious disappearance and death of Vida Smith

Smith was last seen July 21 when she travelled from her home in Chestermere to Calgary. Investigators believe she and Barton had an argumentaround 1p.m.in a white SUV, which wasparked near 2555 32nd Street N.E., on the west side of the Sunridge ATB.

Last week, police issued a plea to the public for help finding a woman who is a potential witness to that argument.

Police say Barton drove to Edmonton on July 22.

Anyone who may have seen Barton in either city, or who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the parking lot near theATB, is asked to contact police.

Weeks after he was arrestedin Smith's death,27 firearms-relatedcharges were laid. On Wednesday, those were consolidated to just three.

The offence date listed on court documentsis July 30, the day Barton was arrested.

Barton will be back in court next month.