Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for an Alberta man wanted following the stabbing death of a 25-year-old Saskatchewan man.
Officials said Aaron Cote was found suffering stab wounds in the parking lot of an Edmonton hotel on December 18.
Emergency crews treated Cote at the southside Travelodge.
He was taken to hospital but died from his injuries.
Witnesses told police a fight between several men broke out at a nightclub on Calgary Trail and 45 Avenue near the hotel.
Investigators said they believe that Justin Kenneth Sandquist, 23, was responsible for Cote’s death.
“We believe Mr. Sandquist is operating a white Ford truck, which was involved in that investigation,” Staff Sgt. Bill Clark said.
“We are alleging that it ran into one of the individuals who was a friend of the victim, struck that individual, causing some damage to that truck.”
Investigators claim that Sandquist then chased the men to the Travelodge, got out of the truck and began to stab Cote.
Sandquist has been charged with first degree murder, possession of an offensive weapon and criminal hit and run.
“We believe that Mr. Sandquist at any time could have stopped his actions but he continued to pursue the victim,” Clark said, explaining why the Crown agreed to first degree murder charges against Sandquist
Clark said first degree murder charges involve planning, but not always extensive planning.
“The planning does not have to be days or weeks in advance.”
Police said Sandquist, who is known to them, has ties to Edmonton, Grande Prairie and High Prairie.
Sandquist has been described as Caucasian, 5’10 tall, 185 pounds with short, brown hair, hazel eyes and sleeve-style tattoos on his arms.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact police, 780-423-4567, #377 from a mobile phone or Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-8477.
