Police south of Edmonton have laid charges against a man in connection to a fatal stabbing in Wetaskiwin earlier this week.

RCMP said Thursday that Casey Lee Lightning, 48, had been charged with second degree murder in connection to the fatal stabbing of Jonathan Greene, 33.

Greene was stabbed inside the Wetaskiwin McDonald’s Tuesday at about 7 p.m.

According to police, staff and witnesses inside the McDonald’s tried to provide assistance, but Greene’s injuries were too severe.

He was pronounced dead a short time later.

Investigators said restaurant staff and witnesses helped police identify and find the suspect, who had fled the scene – police found and arrested Lightning in an alleyway nearby a short time later.

Police said the incident is not believed to be gang-related, and it’s still under investigation – anyone with information on the incident who have not spoken to police is asked to call Wetaskiwin RCMP at 780-312-7200, and ask to speak to a member of the General Investigation Section.

Lightning appeared in Wetaskiwin court Thursday; his next court appearance has been scheduled for May 29.