A man has been charged in connection to the city’s 27th homicide of the year.
Edmonton police confirm a suspicious death that took place north of downtown early Saturday morning is a homicide, and a 38-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder in the case.
Police were called to the area of 107 Avenue and 103 Street at approximately 2 a.m. Saturday where they found a man lying on a sidewalk, dead, outside of a bank in the area. Officers said there were signs of trauma to the man’s body.
Police say thanks to video obtained at the crime scene and work by downtown division and beat members, officers were able to locate a witness and a suspect blocks away from the crime scene early Sunday morning.
"It appears there was some sort of altercation or argument that precipitated the death of this male," said EPS spokesperson Patrycia Thenu.
"The two weren't strangers. They were known to each other."
Ahmed Farah, 38, was charged Sunday afternoon with second-degree murder and possession of an offensive weapon.
The accused is known to police.
The victim has been identified as Temesgen Asfha, 43, of Edmonton.
An autopsy is still scheduled to take place Monday afternoon, however police believe the victim was stabbed and are still searching for the murder weapon. Investigators ask anyone who lives in the area to check their property or alley ways and call police if they find anything suspicious.
Homicide detectives are still looking for more witnesses in the case.
"Detectives believe five other people were at the crime scene that could have information important to the investigation," Thenu said.
"They are strongly urging them to come forward with information."
There are no other suspects in the homicide at this time.
Witnesses can contact the Edmonton Police Service non-emergency complaint line at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.
