Nick Lush disappearance: Cody Kenneth Bauer, Kristopher Goerzen charged with murder

Two men have been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the disappearance of Nick Lush.

Although RCMP say hisbody has not yet been found, the 32-year-old's family says police are hoping to recover it soon.

• Nick Lush disappearance: RCMP arrest 2 men, confirm link to assault west of Calgary

Dana Heald,who was speaking onthe family's behalf Monday,says they are devastated.

"He was a husband, a father, a son, a cousin," she said. "Nick will never be able to watch his children grow. Noah will never be able to go fishing with his dad. And the girls will never be able to have their dadwalk them down the aisle at their weddings."

The father of three was last seen more than a week ago as he left a party near Cochranein the early hours of March 29.

Several hours after his disappearancethere was a report of an assault happening at an underpass on the Trans-Canada Highway in the Jumping Pound area about 40 kilometres west of the city. Investigators believe Lush was the victim.

The victim and the assailants had disappeared by the time police arrived.

Two men were arrested by RCMP in Cranbrook, B.C., without incidentover the weekendafter officers spotted a grey 2008 Dodge Charger thatpolice had been searching for inthe investigation.

Murder charges laid

Police saidon Sunday that Lush'sblood was found withthe suspects' vehicle.

First-degree murder charges have been laid against 24-year-oldCody Kenneth Bauerof Calgary and 22-year-oldKristopher Goerzenof Brooks.

"Because sufficient evidence exists that there was a premeditated plan ...to cause the death of Mr. Lush," said Insp. Gibson Glavin.

Heald says Lush knew the accused through his cousin, and they had just met that night at the party.

Court documents reveal that Lush had several prior criminal convictions, including drug possession, assault with a weapon and carrying a concealed weapon.

Goerzen is set to appear in Cochrane provincial court on April 14 andBauer will be in courtonApril 21.

Bauer has prior convictions for possession of stolen property and causing a disturbance. Goerzenhas no prior convictions in Alberta.