A Calgary couple facing a charge of committing indignity to a body is accused of placing human remains in storage containers, according to court records, and there are serious concerns about the husband’s mental health.
Michael Lee, 49, and his wife Helen Lee, 50, each face a charge of indignity to a dead body in what police have described as a suspicious death investigation.
Earlier this week, Calgary Police Service officers attended the Lees’ home in the northeast community of Skyview Ranch “to conduct a welfare check” and during a search of the condo, located human remains.
Court documents show that the couple is accused of “improperly or indecently interfering” with “human remains through storage in containers” with the alleged offence date listed as taking place between Oct. 23 to Oct. 27, 2026.
On Friday, the couple made a court appearance after each met with forensic psychiatrist Dr. Ken Hashman.
Michael Lee appeared in the courtroom in a blue jail-issued jumpsuit with long, dark scraggly hair.
Hashman expressed “significant concerns” that Michael is potentially suffering “some form of psychotic mental disorder that would have serious impact on his potential fitness to stand trial.”
The doctor also expressed concern that the accused suffers from an impaired grasp of reality, delusions and hallucinations.
Hashman told the judge that the couple had been living in the condo in a “hoarding situation” with “only a very narrow aisle where people could walk through.”
At the time of the police search, officers found body parts in two bins. Hashman told the court that the couple had been living with the woman whose remains were found in the bins.
Earlier this week, Calgary police said officers were working to confirm the identity of the remains and the circumstances of their death, with an autopsy set for Thursday. The results have not been released.
Hashman said that during their interview, Michael said the world is about to experience armageddon and that everyone will die.
Michael also addressed the court and expressed concern over changes to the sky, telling those in the courtroom that he is the “king of Canada.”
Justice Van de Veen agreed to send the accused to the Southern Alberta Forensic Psychiatry Centre for a 30-day assessment to determine if he is fit to stand trial. That type of assessment determines whether an accused person understands the court process and is capable of instructing a lawyer.
When Helen Lee’s case was called, Hashman informed the judge that he did not have concerns with her fitness.
Helen Lee will be back in court next week. Michael Lee will return after his assessment at the end of November.
