Autopsy results conclude Remand Centre victim’s death was a homicide

Results released by the Medical Examiner’s Office confirm the death of an inmate at the Edmonton Remand Centre on Christmas Eve was a homicide.

Autopsy results concluded that Curtis Dale Hill, 34, died from injuries related to blunt force trauma and the manner in which he died was by homicide.



The investigation is ongoing.



Background:

Homicide detectives were called out to the Remand Centre at approximately 8:50 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013. Witnesses told police an altercation occurred between inmates in a cell.



Paramedics were subsequently called out and treated the male victim, who was pronounced dead on scene shortly thereafter.

from Media Releases http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/remandcentrehomicide.aspx

Charges laid against suspect in officer-involved shooting

A 32-year-old man is facing numerous charges in connection with Saturday’s officer-involved shooting near 118 Avenue and 106 Street. Dusty Sand, 32, is facing numerous weapon-related offences, after he allegedly brandished a knife and what turned out to be a replica pistol, during a confrontation with Downtown Division Patrol members just before 2 a.m., Dec. 28^th.



Sand is charged with possession of an offensive weapon (x2), and one count each of carrying a concealed weapon, pointing a firearm, use of an imitation firearm while committing an indictable offence and uttering death threats.



Background:

Downtown Division Patrol members responded to a weapons complaint called in to police from Edmonton Transit early Saturday morning.



Once on scene, members located a male suspect, who appeared to brandish a firearm. The suspect was confrontational and refused the officer’s repeated instructions to drop the weapon. A round was subsequently discharged by a police member.



The male suspect sustained a superficial injury from the discharged round and was taken into police custody. Charges are still pending at this time.



The Director of Law Enforcement was notified and instructed the EPS to conduct the investigation.



from Media Releases http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/officerinvoldedshooting.aspx

First-degree murder suspect turns himself into Vancouver police

Justin Sandquist, 23, wanted on Canada-wide warrants in connection with the death of Aaron Cote, turned himself into Vancouver police yesterday, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013.

Edmonton Police Service Homicide Section detectives had issued several warrants last week for Sandquist’s arrest, including first-degree murder for the alleged stabbing death of Cote, 25, which occurred in a motel parking lot near Gateway Boulevard and 45 Avenue in the early morning hours on Dec. 18^th.



Homicide detectives flew out to Vancouver last night, where they will interview Sandquist, before arranging for his transport back to Edmonton to face charges of first degree murder, possession of an offensive weapon and criminal hit and run.



Background:

Southwest Division Patrol members responded to a weapon’s complaint at approximately 2:47 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013. Upon arrival on scene officers found a male victim on the ground in distress suffering from stab wounds. Witness statements suggest a scuffle between several males broke out in the parking lot of a nearby nightclub and culminated with a 25-year-old male sustaining stab wounds in the motel parking lot.



The suspect fled the scene in a white Ford F-150 truck. The male victim was treated on scene and rushed to hospital by paramedics, where he succumbed to his injuries.

from Media Releases http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/firstdegreemurder.aspx

Base jumper charged

On Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013 witnesses reported seeing two base jumpers in the area of 121 Street and Jasper Avenue just before 7 p.m.

On-site security apprehended one male jumper and the other allegedly fled the area in a black SUV.

Police charged a 34-year-old man with trespassing which carries a $287 fine. This is not the same male who was charged in a base jumping incident in August 2013.

“The EPS discourages this high-risk activity as it poses a significant risk to both the jumpers and the public,” says Duty Officer Chad Tawfik.

The investigation continues.

from Media Releases http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/basejumpers.aspx

Homicide detectives investigating suspicious death in parkade

Homicide Section detectives are investigating a suspicious death near 103 Avenue and 103 Street in the city’s downtown core.

Homicide Section detectives were called out to a downtown mall parkade at approximately 8 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, after a body was discovered in a nearby stairwell.



Details, including gender of the deceased, have yet to be determined.

from Media Releases http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/suspiciousdeathinparkade.aspx

5th Annual McCauley Cup today

Downtown Division police officers will be lacing up their skates for a friendly game of hockey at the McCauley ice rink this afternoon.

Today’s game (Friday, Dec. 27, 2013) marks the 5^th annual McCauley Cup. The hockey game was originally introduced by a Downtown Beat police officer who wanted to bridge the gap between themselves and the community. Since, the game has grown in popularity and no matter the weather; youth from the neighbourhood are always ready to showcase their new skills to the police officers and spectators.

“Every year there are more and more youth on the ice playing against the officers,” says Sgt. David Kabyn of Downtown Division and organizer of the McCauley Cup “We want to continue to build on those positive relationships and get to know the kids and the community.”

The puck drops at 2 p.m. at the McCauley outdoor skating rink, located at 96 Street and 108 Avenue. All media are invited to the game for photo/video opportunities.

Players and visitors will be able to enjoy a bonfire. Hot drinks and snacks will be provided. United Cycle has again donated hockey jerseys to use during the game.

All spectators are encouraged to bring a non-perishable donation to the Edmonton Food Bank.

EPS would like to thank the Edmonton Police Foundation and the McCauley Community League for their support in the 5^th Annual McCauley Cup.

from Media Releases http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/mccauleycup.aspx

Homicide detectives investigate suspicious death at Remand Centre

Homicide Section detectives are investigating the suspicious death of an inmate that occurred at the Edmonton Remand Centre on Christmas Eve.

Homicide detectives were called out to the Remand Centre at approximately 8:50 p.m. last night. Although the investigation is preliminary at this time, witnesses told police an altercation occurred between two inmates in a cell.



Paramedics were subsequently called out and treated the male victim, who was pronounced dead on scene shortly thereafter. An autopsy has not yet been scheduled.



Details regarding the deceased will not be made available until next of kin are notified.

from Media Releases http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/homicidedetectives.aspx