“Kelly was my childhood playmate….the sweet, nurturing brother I grew up with playing in the forest north of Stony Plain…the brother who I caught frogs with to frighten our mom….the brother I spent weeks building forts with….is gone,” said Kim Thompson, devastated by the death of her brother who was murdered almost one year ago today, the result of a vicious assault by several baseball bat-wielding suspects.
“The loss of my brother has absolutely devastated our entire family.Not only have we dealt with his sudden death, but we also have to deal on a daily basis with the absolute horrific events my brother endured in his final moments…and our final moments with him.”
On Thursday, Apr. 14, 2016, at around 10 p.m., West Division officers were called to the area of 137 Street and 115 Avenue, after a man was located in critical condition. It was reported that approximately four or five suspects, wearing dark clothing and hoods, got out of a vehicle and allegedly struck a man multiple times with baseball bats and then fled the area in a vehicle.
Kelly Thompson, 34, of Edmonton, died in hospital on Saturday, Apr. 16, 2016, as a result of blunt force trauma to the head.
“I am absolutely convinced there is someone out there with information about my brother’s death, someone who has a conscience….who has a heart,” said Kim Thompson, becoming emotional.
“Someone who has been living with this information, who one year later, may be ready to come forward to police or call Crime Stoppers anonymously. I would ask that you stop for one moment….and consider our pain….consider what it would be like to lose your brother, or your son, so suddenly….and so violently.”
“These people didn't just take one person’s life…..they destroyed many lives.”
Police encourage anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or seen any suspicious activity in the area in the late evening hours of Apr. 14, 2016, to contact the Edmonton Police Service 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.