Calgary police found several bloody footprints when they began an investigation into the disappearance of a couple and their missing grandson in 2014.

Calgary Police Sgt. Lynn Gallen is testifying at the first-degree murder trial of Douglas Garland.

The forensic footwear expert told the court that when examining the residence of Alvin and Kathy Liknes, investigators found several footprints and a test found they all contained blood.

A footwear database identified the shape as a size 13 Dr. Scholls shoe.

Gallen said the initial search of the home was limited to only looking for five-year-old Nathan O'Brien, who police hoped was still alive, until a search warrant was signed.

Garland faces three counts of first-degree murder, but the bodies have not been recovered.