The Edmonton Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy on Friday, September 4, 2015 and determined that Brandon Campbell, 21, died of a gunshot wound.

The accused, Dallas Edlund, 19, has been charged with manslaughter using a firearm, carless use of a firearm, pointing a firearm and knowingly possessing an unauthorized firearm.

Homicide Section continues to investigate.

Homicide detectives arrested and charged the youth late last night, Friday, Sept. 4, 2015, with second-degree murder, possession of a weapon and robbery for the death of Shawn Richard.

Richard, 32, was found deceased, lying in the middle of 95 Street between 117 and 118 avenues, at approximately 3:20 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 31, 2015.

Autopsy results confirmed that Richard died early Monday morning, as a result of a stab wound to the chest.

The youth’s identity cannot be revealed under the Youth Criminal Justice Act of Canada.

Update:
Prior to his death, Richard had also been identified as the primary suspect in the murder of Claudia Iron-Howard, the city’s ninth homicide of the year, back on June 4, 2015.

As a result, the Iron-Howard investigation is now considered concluded.

Background on the Claudia Iron-Howard death:
Officers were called to a report of a stabbing in the area of 106 Avenue and 103 Street at approximately 4:45 a.m., on Thursday, June 4, 2015.

A woman was found with life threatening injuries. She was treated at the scene by EMS and taken to hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

David Klassen was arrested on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015, in Yellowknife, NWT, by Yellowknife RCMP during a residential drug raid.
Edmonton Police Service Homicide Section investigators had issued an Alberta/NWT-wide warrant for Klassen’s arrest the previous day on Monday, Aug. 31. As a result, Yellowknife RCMP transported Klassen to Edmonton on Thursday evening, where he was charged with Deleeuw’s murder.

Klassen is facing charges of second-degree murder, unlawful use of a firearm, assault with a weapon and disguise with intent.

He is scheduled to make his first court appearance in Edmonton on Tuesday, Sept. 8^th.

Deleeuw’s death was the city’s sixth homicide of 2015.

Background:
The death of a 25-year-old that occurred on Monday, April 6, 2015 is Edmonton’s 6^th homicide of 2015.

It has been determined so far that shots were fired around 9 p.m., Monday, April 6, in a parking lot in the area of 215 Street and 115 Avenue in Edmonton. This address is being investigated as the scene of the crime where the victim was shot. St. Albert RCMP is investigating the second scene in connection with the death, where the man’s body was found.

The Edmonton Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 and determined the death of Trevor Keith Deleeuw to be a homicide. The cause of death was gunshot wounds.

The fatal collision occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. this evening, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015. While details are still preliminary at this time, witnesses tell police the male was struck by a northbound train near the Stadium LRT Station.

The male pedestrian, believed to be in his early 30s, was rushed to hospital by paramedics, where he was pronounced deceased shortly thereafter.

The EPS Major Collision Investigation Unit has since taken over the investigation.

At approximately 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 7, 2015, police received reports of shots fired in the area of 118 Avenue and 88 Street. Officers from Northwest Division responded and located two males suffering from gunshot wounds.

The two men, believed to be in their 20s, were treated and transported to hospital by EMS with serious, non-life threatening injuries.

It is reported the two males had been standing on the sidewalk near 118 Avenue when shots were fired from a nearby vehicle. The vehicle then fled eastbound on 118 Avenue. Police do not believe this was a random event.

Two uninvolved vehicles carrying young children were also hit by gunfire.

 “There were several people in the area at the time of the shooting that thankfully were not hurt,” says Staff Sgt. Greg Laycock with Northwest Division. “We’re counting on these witnesses to contact police with information about the incident.”

Officers continue to investigate.

Anyone who has information about this crime is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.

It is alleged shots were fired near 94 Street and 111 Avenue at approximately 9:15 p.m. A restaurant in the area was struck by gunfire. A parked vehicle was also hit. The occupant of the vehicle was not injured.

Police also responded to 125 Street and 118 Avenue at approximately 9:40 p.m. It is reported shots were fired near the back of an establishment in the area. A vehicle in the alley was struck.

No injuries have been reported as a result of these two incidents at this time.

Officers believe these two shootings and an earlier reported shooting at 118 Avenue and 88 Street may be connected. These events are not believed to be random.

The Edmonton Police Service is warning the public to be cautious of their surroundings as the investigation continues. No arrests have been made at this time.

Anyone who has information about these crimes is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.

“Southwest Edmonton continues to expand, and with that expansion, comes additional motorists and more traffic challenges,” said Insp. Steven Chwok. “Without a doubt, citizens continue to tell police that their number-one concern is traffic-related issues.

“This isn’t simply about enforcement. We’re hopeful these new positions will help to increase safety and awareness on roadways throughout this section of the city,” said Insp. Chwok, also noting that two of the city’s three freeways cut through Southwest Division (Anthony Henday and the Whitemud).

Last year, Southwest Division received 744 traffic complaints – the most traffic calls responded to in the city - representing 26 per cent of all traffic calls to EPS. In 2015 (to date), Southwest Division has received close to 500 traffic complaint calls, which represents the highest number of traffic calls responded to (by division) across the city. Southeast Division has received the second highest amount of traffic complaints thus far in 2015 at 430.

Southwest Division also boasts the highest concentration of schools in the city (67 in 2014), which combined with increased traffic volumes, places children at risk, explained Const. Paul.

“As any parent can attest, the roadways around schools are becoming increasingly difficult to navigate due to the volume of traffic flow through these areas,” said EPS Const. Andre Paul, who has been assigned to one of the three new traffic positions.

“That, combined with the fact Southwest Edmonton is also traversed by two of the city’s major freeways with the Anthony Henday and Whitemud, and you have a potential recipe for plenty of trouble.”

On July 12, 2014 a 15-year-old youth was on-foot in the area of 118 Avenue, just east of the Coliseum, when she was offered a ride by a man driving a brown Toyota Camry. It was reported that the youth entered the male suspect’s vehicle, where she was then allegedly sexually assaulted.

The EPS’ Child Protection Section conducted an investigation into the incident and were able to identify the suspect.

On August 17, 2015, James Armour, 29, was charged with sexual assault and sexual interference.

The Edmonton Police Service is releasing Armour’s photos as investigators believe there may be other complainants and witnesses who may have information about this or other matters. Armour has also been known to change his appearance.

Armour is scheduled to speak to bail on Friday, Sept. 11, 2015.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling the EPS at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.

It was reported to police that the teacher, who is now 50 years old, had a sexual relationship with a former female student between 2012 and 2014. The complainant was aged 13 when the alleged offences commenced, and continued until she was 15 years old.

The accused, whose name will not be disclosed to protect the complainant, is facing charges of sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching and luring.  

Steven Paul Moravec, 27, was reported missing to the EPS by his family on Sept. 3, 2015. Police believe Moravec was last seen at a gas station in Grande Prairie on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015 at approximately 5:45 a.m.

He drives a white 2013 Subaru Crosstrek with Alberta licence plate BJN2352. The whereabouts of this vehicle are also unknown.

Moravec’s disappearance is out of character and as such, there are concerns for his well-being. There are no indications to suggest foul play.

Moravec is described as a Caucasian man with brown hair, blue eyes and facial hair. He is approximately 5’11” tall and 145 lbs. He was last seen wearing a dark-coloured hoodie and blue jeans.

Steven Paul Moravec, 27

Moravec drives a white Subaru Crosstrek, similar to the vehicle pictured above

Anyone who has information that may assist in locating this man or his vehicle is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.

Officers from Northeast Division were called to the report of a disturbance in a condominium complex near 36 Street and 145 Avenue at approximately 8 p.m. on Sept. 12, 2015.

Police believe the disturbance turned violent and an 18-year-old man was stabbed. He was treated and transported to hospital, where he died of his injuries.

It was reported the suspect, a 17-year-old male, fled the residence after the altercation.

The EPS searched the surrounding area and apprehended the suspect nearby at approximately 10:20 p.m. He was taken into police custody without incident.

The two males involved are related to each other. Police believe they were both residents of the condominium unit where the incident occurred.

The 17-year-old male suspect has been charged with 2^nd degree murder. The youth cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act of Canada.

The deceased male will not be identified. An autopsy has been scheduled for the afternoon of Monday, Sept. 14, 2015.

Homicide detectives continue to investigate. The death is being treated as a homicide, pending the Medical Examiner’s findings.

Anyone who has information about this crime is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.

Southwest Division patrol members are investigating nine incidents of mischief, where vehicle tires were slashed in the early morning hours on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015. Vehicles parked between 44 and 47 avenues, and 146 to 148 streets in the Riverbend area were targeted sometime between midnight and 5 a.m.

Police have conducted multiple door-to-door interviews with residents in the area. The approximate total property loss is estimated to be more than $7,000.

Anyone who has information about these crimes is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.

The man died as a result of a stab wound. His identity will not be released.

This is Edmonton’s 16^th homicide of 2015.

Background:

An 18-year-old man is dead and a 17-year-old male is in police custody after an alleged stabbing in northeast Edmonton Saturday night.

Officers from Northeast Division were called to the report of a disturbance in a condominium complex near 36 Street and 145 Avenue at approximately 8 p.m. on Sept. 12, 2015.

Police believe the disturbance turned violent and an 18-year-old man was stabbed. He was treated and transported to hospital, where he died of his injuries.

It was reported the suspect, a 17-year-old male, fled the residence after the altercation. The EPS searched the surrounding area and apprehended the suspect nearby at approximately 10:20 p.m. He was taken into police custody without incident.

The two males involved are related to each other. Police believe they were both residents of the condominium unit where the incident occurred.

The 17-year-old male suspect has been charged with 2^nd degree murder. The youth cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act of Canada.

The deceased male will not be identified. An autopsy has been scheduled for the afternoon of Monday, Sept. 14, 2015.

Car Curfew is a free, voluntary program which aims to prevent vehicle theft and aid patrol officers in readily identifying a potentially stolen vehicle.

“Theft of vehicles is typically a crime of opportunity,” explains Const. Cameron Jones with the Neighbourhood Empowerment Team (NET) in Southeast Edmonton. “Car Curfew gives vehicle owners a resource to help police identify a potentially stolen vehicle.”

If a police officer witnesses a vehicle with a reflective Car Curfew decal on the back window that is being operated between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., they may stop the vehicle and verify that it is being operated with the consent of the owner.

Registered owners may pick up Car Curfew decals at their local police station and place them on the rear windshield of their vehicle.

Quick Facts

• This program is designed to draw the attention of police officers to vehicles not normally operated between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. and may potentially be stolen.
• Police officers encountering a vehicle displaying a Car Curfew reflective decal (in the lower left side of the back windshield) operated during this time frame may stop that vehicle.
• Display of a Car Curfew decal does not impact the legal rights or duties of vehicle drivers or owners.
• If a vehicle has the Car Curfew decal and is stopped, police officers must be able to contact the registered owner if they are not driving the vehicle.

http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/carcurfew

Known as the “Scratch and Lose Bandit”, it’s alleged that Jacob Shane Ritson-Bennett, 29, committed seven commercial robberies between June 18^th and Sept. 3, 2015, wherein the accused stole thousands of dollars in scratch-and-win lottery tickets from convenience stores across Edmonton.

Ritson-Bennett was apprehended and charged on Friday, Sept. 4, 2015, following a criminal flight from Sherwood Park, which culminated in his arrest at the Gold Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant, following a nine-hour search of the EPCOR facility.

Ritson-Bennett is charged with robbery (x 7), wearing a disguise for the purpose of committing a criminal offence (x 7), possession of a weapon (x 4), possession of stolen propertyover $5,000, unlawful confinement, dangerous driving, assault with a weapon, criminal flight and breach of probation (x 10).

The three-day Leading Change training encourages leaders to take action to end gender-based violence and abuse which supports the Edmonton Police Service’s commitment to reduce and prevent revictimization in intimate partner relationships.

Training will address:

• Gender-based violence – social constructs and creating a new paradigm.
• Bystander approach – everyone has a role to play in violence prevention.
• Speaking up against unhealthy beliefs and attitudes; promoting healthy ones.
• Empowering youth and leadership.
• Promoting respectful and healthy relationships.
• Developing strategies to respond to gender-based violence proactively to create social change.

“Leading Change is about creating a cultural shift. It’s about taking small steps that have a big impact,” says Jan Reimer, Executive Director of ACWS. “SROs are genuine leaders and positive role models for students so it is the perfect fit to have them as champions of Leading Change within the school systems.”

SROs will receive training that will ignite interactive discussions with high school students. They will be able to engage all students to identify and appropriately respond to and report gender-based violence that occurs in their schools and community. The SROs will help create a positive change in attitudes and behaviours in high schools which will contribute to a significant reduction of violence overtime. SROs will facilitate various activities throughout the school year to address this issue.

“This initiative is for high school aged students who are beginning to date and/or start intimate partner relationships or may be exposed to violence in the home,” says Sgt. Ray Wood with the School Resource Officer Unit with the Edmonton Police Service. “This is a great leadership opportunity to educate our youth, to prevent violence, and model the building of respectful and safe relationships.”

The 30 participants will include EPS School Resource Officers, police officers, high school teachers, principals and youth workers. 

This initiative exemplifies community policing. The EPS is working in partnership with ACWS, who has contracted with Mentors in Violence Prevention Strategies to offer this dynamic training. This is in addition to the historical partnership the EPS has with the Edmonton Public and Catholic School Boards since 1979.

Thank you to the Edmonton Police Foundation for funding this educational initiative.

Quick Facts

• Dating violence is highest in the 15 to 24 age category. Statistics Canada, Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics 2010
• The EPS responds to approximately 8,000 domestic violence calls per year.
• There are 19 SROs with the Edmonton Police Service who work with 21 high schools.
• Edmonton will be the first police agency in Canada to receive training on the Leading Change curriculum.

On Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2015 around 7:20 p.m., police conducted a stop on a suspicious vehicle in the area of 111 Avenue and 149 Street.

Police determined there were grounds to search the vehicle and located a loaded firearm, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, Dexedrine pills and an undisclosed amount of cash. The two occupants of the vehicle, Jody Mongeon, 48, and Taylor Bellegarde, 19, were arrested without incident.

A subsequent investigation led police to obtain a search warrant for a residence in the area of 127 Street and 123A Avenue, associated to the two individuals arrested during the traffic stop. During the search, West Division patrol officers, with the help of the Northwest Division Special Project Team and Tactical Section, recovered multiple firearms, identity documents and stolen property. Four other individuals, James Knee, 28, Tamara Manning, 36, Asceneao Skorepa, 28, and Justin Crawford, 32, were arrested at the residence.

A total of six adults were arrested and 83 criminal charges were laid, including:

• firearm charges (x36)
• other weapon charges (x2)
• drug trafficking charges (x7)
• drug possession charges (x7)
• possession of stolen property charges (x14)
• possession of stolen identity documents (x5)
• possession of stolen credit cards (x8)
• breach of condition charges (x4)

Two provincial traffic offence charges were laid and two arrest warrants were also executed.

EPS continues to investigate.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online atwww.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.

Ryan Matchee was arrested on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015, in Edmonton.

Matchee is facing a charge of second-degree murder. He is currently in police custody and his first court appearance has not been set.

Background:               

On Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 at approximately 7:30 p.m., police attended an apartment in the area of 112 Avenue and 95A Street after a caller reported locating an unconscious person. Upon arrival of the Northwest Division patrol officers, a female was found deceased within an apartment suite. Homicide Section was called-out to continue with the investigation.

The following day, Tuesday, Feb. 10^th, the Edmonton Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy and the Edmonton Police Service confirmed the death to be the city’s second occurrence of homicide in 2015. The deceased was been identified as Lena Steinhauer, 24 years of age.

“This is an issue that touches communities across Canada, so it’s important that regardless of what jurisdiction the crime takes place, we provide the best ongoing and consistent support to victims and their families,” says EPS Insp. Dan Jones.  “I encourage organizations to be a part of the conversations we’ll be having at this conference.”

The conference is vital for frontline victim services providers and volunteers, as well as anyone responding to the needs of individuals impacted by trauma or crisis, particularly within Indigenous communities.  It explores the challenges of inspiring leadership, building partnerships, fostering collaboration, and creating innovative new practices and programs for victims’ families who may be underserved.

The discussion supports the outcomes of current research undertaken by the Alberta Justice and Solicitor General and other provincial initiatives in Canada.  These provincial initiatives provide a framework for developing consistent quality responses in a culturally-safe manner to Indigenous families who have lost loves ones.  The conference draws upon the vast knowledge and experience of organizations across Canada that provide services to families and communities of missing and murdered Aboriginal women.

The three-day victim services conference offers 60+ presenters, four keynote speakers, and 48 workshops from police agencies and Aboriginal communities across Canada.  There is also a panel discussion on the new Canadian Victims Bill of Rights with presenters from Alberta Justice and Solicitor General Victims Services, the Crown Prosecution Service, the Alberta Review Board, and the Parole Board of Canada.

One of the four keynote speakers is Dr. Dawn Lavell-Harvard, Ph.D., President of the Native’s Women’s Association of Canada, who provides a powerful presentation on the challenges aboriginal women and girls face, from poverty and predators to systemic oppression and racism.

The conference is open to all members of the community and takes place in Edmonton from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, 2015.  The conference is made possible through the support of the Government of Alberta and REACH Edmonton.  For additional information or to register, please visit the conference web page, or follow the links on the Edmonton Police Service Victim Services web page.

Police believe Maimaiti Aikebaier, 33, was last seen by his family on January 11, 2015 when he was reported missing.

Maimaiti Aikebaier is described as 5’7”, 158 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes. He formerly worked in the trades industry.

Maimaiti Aikebaier, 33

Police have no indications to suggest Aikebasier has met with foul play, but have concerns for his well-being based on the amount of time he has been missing.

Anyone who has information about this missing person is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.