At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, Downtown Patrol officers responded to numerous reports of gunshots in the area of Jasper Avenue and 116 Street. Upon arrival, officers located Kelsey Ouellette, 31, who had been shot. Responding officers applied emergency first-aid until paramedics arrived. Ouellette was declared deceased on scene.
On Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022, an autopsy completed by the Edmonton Medical Examiner determined that Ouellette died of multiple gunshot wounds, and her manner of death was homicide.
Investigators are now releasing video footage of a suspect vehicle, described as a white Toyota SUV, that was in the area around the time of Ouellette’s death.
Police are also releasing a photo of a 2016 white Toyota Highlander found burning in the area of 259 Avenue and 18 Street at approximately 8:45 p.m. that same evening. At this time, detectives are investigating whether the burned-out vehicle is the suspect vehicle.
Burned Toyota Highlander
The burned-out vehicle has since been confirmed stolen from northwest Calgary in August and was outfitted with a license plate that was stolen from west Edmonton in early October. The stolen license plate number, Alberta Plate: CKP5569, was also the subject of a photo radar ticket on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, on Yellowhead Trail westbound at 107 Street.
“We believe this Toyota Highlander was driven and would have been parked in the Edmonton area throughout the months of October and November,” says Detective Jared Buhler with the EPS Homicide Section. “If anyone recognizes this vehicle or remembers noticing a similar vehicle parked in an unusual or temporary place, we are asking them to please reach out to us.”
“Likewise, if anyone recalls seeing an unusual vehicle in and around the burn site, that information could also be useful.”
Drivers, homeowners and businesses who may have dash cam or security video footage of either of the vehicles near Jasper Avenue and 116 Street or 259 Avenue and 18 Street on Saturday, Nov. 5 are also asked to immediately contact police.
Shooting location
Vehicle burn site
Additionally, investigators are hoping to speak with any friends or acquaintances of Ouellette who may have had contact with her since June of this year.
“The investigation has begun to establish a picture of Kelsey’s life, in particular the six-month period leading up to her murder, which was marked by a life-changing event,” says Buhler. “Information obtained leads our investigators to believe that the circumstances around that event may relate to her murder. While we have spoken to many individuals known to Kelsey, we have particular interest in speaking to the people most familiar with this event, who have not been located. We urge these individuals to contact police immediately.”
Kelsey Ouellette
Photo provided by Kelsey Ouellette’s family and released with their permission
Anyone who believes they may have information or video relating to the suspect vehicle or Ouellette’s death are encouraged to contact the EPS by calling 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 at www.p3tips.com/250.