Suspect charged with first-degree murder in woman’s death

Edmonton police said Tuesday that a man was facing charges in connection to the death of a woman earlier in the week.

Police said Lenny Lavallee, 32, is facing a number of charges, including first degree murder, in connection to the death of Nicole Leeanne Cooney, 30.

The Medical Examiner confirmed Tuesday that Cooney died as the result of a gunshot wound – becoming Edmonton’s 16^th homicide of 2016.

At about 12:30 a.m. Monday, police were called to the area of 117 Avenue and 128 Street after a suspicious death was reported.

A short time later, officers were called to a weapons complaint in the same area – that situation was resolved by 5:30 a.m., and one suspect was taken into custody.

In addition to the murder charge, Lavallee is facing charges of using a firearm in the commission of an offence, careless use of a firearm, pointing a firearm, possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace and unauthorized possession of a firearm.