Media Releases

Police investigating suspicious death in northeast Edmonton

16 Aug 2026 22:45:44 UT

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is investigating a suspicious death that took place early Sunday morning in northeast Edmonton.

Police were called at approximately 6:50 a.m., on Sunday, August 16, 2026, for reports of a shooting near 139 Avenue and 32 Street. Upon arrival, officers located a seriously injured 16-year-old female. The officers began administering first aid but unfortunately, she was pronounced deceased upon EMS arrival.

The EPS Homicide Section has since taken over the investigation and is treating the death as suspicious.

Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the death. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Police looking for suspect after vehicle arson

12 Aug 2026 17:58:06 UT

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is seeking the public's assistance in identifying a suspect believed to be involved in a vehicle arson that occurred in June.

On Sunday, June 14, 2026, at approximately 1:30 p.m., police received reports of fire damage to a vehicle near 104 Street and 112 Avenue. The vehicle was on a parking pad at the rear of a residence. Investigators have since determined the fire was deliberately set and are attempting to identify a female suspect captured on surveillance footage.

At the time of the incident, the suspect was wearing a black ballcap, black pants, a black t-shirt, and black-and-white runners. She was also seen carrying a pink crossbody bag, a dark-coloured backpack, and a blue plastic bag.

Suspect photo #1

Suspect photo #2

Suspect photo #3

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.

Public information and warning: violent sexual offender released

11 Aug 2026 22:13:45 UT

In the interests of public safety, the Edmonton Police Service is issuing the following warning: Jamie Edward Meads, 38, is a convicted violent sexual offender who will be residing in the Edmonton area. Based on information available to the Edmonton Police Service, Meads is assessed as presenting a significant risk of harm to members of the community, particularly individuals who may be vulnerable to intimate partner violence and organizations that provide support to such persons.

In June 2025, Meads was convicted of offences including assault causing bodily harm, assault by choking, suffocating or strangling, aggravated assault, forcible confinement, intimidation and uttering threats. These offences stem from a prolonged pattern of violence against an intimate partner that occurred over several weeks. Meads has an extensive history of intimate partner violence, with eight known victims identified over an offending period (including sexual offences) spanning approximately 20 years.

The Edmonton Police Service believes it is necessary and in the public interest to provide this information so that members of the public, organizations serving vulnerable individuals, and those involved in supporting victims of intimate partner violence may take appropriate precautionary measures. The Edmonton Police Service also encourages organizations that provide services to victims of intimate partner violence and other vulnerable persons to review this information and take any precautions they consider appropriate.

Upon his release, Meads will reside in Edmonton. Given Meads’ criminal history and high risk of reoffending, the Edmonton Police Service sought and obtained court-imposed conditions to manage his risk to the community. These conditions include supervision by a member of the Edmonton Police Service Behavioural Assessment Unit, as well as numerous additional conditions, including the following:

You shall not enter into any sexual or intimate relationship, cohabitation, marriage, or common-law relationship with a person unless you have received written approval from your Supervisor or designate, and until his/her identity has been disclosed to your supervisor and he/she has been informed of your history of serious domestic violence abuse.
You shall have no direct or indirect contact with the victims of your offence.
You must live at a residence approved by the Alberta Court of Justice or your Supervisor, and you must not change that address until you have received written approval from your Supervisor.

Anyone with any information about Meads’ conduct while in the community can contact the EPS at 780-423-4567.

The Edmonton Police Service is issuing this information and warning after careful deliberation of all related issues, including privacy concerns, in the belief that it is clearly in the public interest to inform members of the community.

Jamie Edward Meads (38 years)

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 180 lbs

Eyes: Brown

Hair: Black

Members of the public are advised that the intent of this process is to enable citizens to take suitable precautionary measures. Releasing this information is NOT intended to encourage people to engage in any form of vigilante action.

Police lay charges after homicide in central Edmonton

06 Aug 2026 22:08:29 UT

Homicide investigators have charged a 22-year-old male in relation to a homicide in central Edmonton.

On Thursday, August 6, 2026, the Edmonton Medical Examiner’s Office completed an autopsy and determined Sukhjit Randhawa’s, 48, manner of death is homicide. The cause of death is being withheld for investigative purposes.

Nicholas Butler-Chowace, 22, has been charged with second degree murder.

On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, just before 1 p.m., Downtown Branch patrol officers responded to the report of an injured male in the area of 112 Avenue and 82 Street. Upon arrival, they located a 48-year-old male suffering from serious injuries.

EMS responded, treated and transported the male to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The EPS Homicide Section took over the investigation.

Investigators are not seeking any additional suspects at this time.

Police charge man with sexual assault of a minor and seek additional complainants

06 Aug 2026 20:45:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has charged a man in the sexual assault of a young child and investigators believe there may be other victims who have yet to come forward.

On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, Simon Nicholas, 50, who is also known as Ambrose Nicholas, was charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, and two counts of breaching a court order. Officers also executed warrants from Athabasca RCMP for the sexual assault of another young child.

Simon Nicholas, 50

At the time of the Edmonton reports, Nicholas was subject to court-ordered conditions prohibiting contact with children under 16 and restricting access to locations frequented by children.

In both investigations, it is reported that Nicholas presented himself to a parent as someone who could be trusted to care for young children.

Based on the similarities in the reported incidents, investigators believe there may be additional victims or witnesses who have not yet come forward and are asking anyone with information to contact EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.

Support is available for anyone affected by sexual violence though local sexual assault support services or through the EPS.

Police warn public about a rise in scams targeting seniors.

06 Aug 2026 18:02:18 UT

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is warning the public about an increase in grandparent scams targeting seniors and their savings. In many cases, the suspects are impersonating police officers and exploiting victims' concerns for their loved ones.

In the past two month, police have received 21 reports of seniors being targeted by scammers in a similar fashion.

The common tactic involves the suspects posing as police officers claiming that a child or grandchild has been arrested and requires immediate bail money to be released from custody.

The scammers often create a sense of urgency, insisting that payment be made immediately in the form of cash, credit cards, gift cards, cryptocurrency, gold or jewellery. In some cases, a courier is sent directly to the victim’s home to collect payment or the “police officer” will meet the senior in person.

Once a victim provides payment, the fraudsters often continue to contact the victim and demand additional funds for purported legal fees, court costs, and other charges. Some victims have been targeted repeatedly, resulting in substantial financial losses.

"These criminals are manipulative, convincing, and highly skilled at creating panic. They deliberately prey on seniors by exploiting the fear and concern they have for their loved ones," says Staff Sgt. Mike Zaparyniuk of the EPS Financial Crimes Section. "We want people to understand that the police will never call and demand money, gold, gift cards, cryptocurrency, credit cards, or any other form of payment to secure someone's release from custody. If you receive a call like this, stop, hang up, and verify the information independently."

Spot the scam. Police will never:

Request cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency, gold, jewellery, or credit cards to secure someone’s release.
Send a courier to collect money, valuables or financial information.
Demand immediate payment over the phone.
Instruct individuals to keep a police matter secret from family and friends.

If you receive a call claiming that a loved one has been arrested and needs money:

Hang up immediately. Do not provide any personal or financial information.
Contact your family member directly using a phone number you know is legitimate or reach out to another family member or trusted person.
Never provide cash, valuables, banking information, or credit cards to someone you do not know.
Contact the EPS non-emergency line 780-423-4567 if you believe you are being targeted.

Investigators are also asking Edmontonians to talk openly with seniors they know about these scams.

"We want seniors to know that it's okay to be skeptical, even if someone claims to be a police officer. We won't be offended if you question the call or hang up to verify who you're speaking with," says Staff Sgt. Zaparyniuk. "If someone is demanding money, creating urgency, or telling you to keep a secret, those are major red flags. We also encourage family members to have conversations with their parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbours about these scams. A simple conversation can prevent someone from becoming a victim and losing their hard-earned savings."

Families are also encouraged to establish trusted methods of verification and discuss what to do if they receive an emergency call requesting money. Taking a moment to pause, verify, and speak with a trusted family member can help prevent fraud and protect vulnerable loved ones.

Anyone who believes they or someone they know has been targeted by a grandparent scam is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or by dialing #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.

Police investigating homicide in central Edmonton

06 Aug 2026 00:52:04 UT

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is investigating a suspicious death that took place in central Edmonton.

On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at approximately 12:58 p.m., Downtown Branch patrol officers responded to the report of an injured male in the area of 112 Avenue and 82 Street. Upon arrival, they located a 48-year-old male suffering from serious injuries.

EMS responded, treated and transported the male to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The EPS Homicide Section has taken over the investigation.

An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026.

Man charged in 2024 homicide

31 Jul 2026 21:58:44 UT

A man has been charged in the June 2024 homicide of Dwight Bennett, whose death was investigated as criminal after new information came forward in May of 2025.

On Friday, July 31, 2026, Zachary Jerome-Legault, 40 was arrested and charged with first degree murder in relation to the death of Dwight Bennett, 39.

The cause of death was withheld at the time for investigative purposes, and is now being confirmed as a gunshot wound.

Anyone with any information about this homicide is asked to call police at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile device. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.

Background

On Thursday, June 20, 2024, a 39-year-old male went into medical distress at a residence located at the Blue Quill Garden Apartments, located at 12025 – 25 Avenue. EMS responded and transported the male to hospital, where he passed away later that day. Because the initial call for service was deemed medical, there was no police involvement at the time.

It was believed the death was non-criminal in nature until police received new information in May of 2025. Homicide detectives then met with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to re-investigate the initial sudden death.

As a result, a second autopsy was performed on July 30, 2025, and Dwight Bennett’s death was ruled a homicide.

Youth Recruit Academy gives Edmonton students an inside look at policing

31 Jul 2026 15:00:00 UT

Thirty-seven high school students officially graduated today from the Edmonton Police Service’s July 2026 Youth Recruit Academy, capping off an intense week of learning, teamwork, physical challenges and hands-on policing scenarios.

The Youth Recruit Academy offers students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 a unique opportunity to gain insight into what it takes to become an EPS recruit constable. Throughout the week-long summer program, participants learned alongside EPS members, asked questions about careers in policing and connected with peers who share an interest in public safety and community service.

Running from July 27 to 31, the academy challenged students both physically and mentally as they explored the many roles that help keep Edmonton safe. Participants took part in police-structured lectures, team-building activities and scenario-based training with EPS units including Canine, Robbery, Air 1, Traffic and Forensics.

From fitness drills and classroom learning to leadership exercises and real-world policing demonstrations, the academy is designed to build confidence, resilience and an understanding of the dedication required of frontline officers.

“This program gives students a meaningful look at the responsibilities, challenges and rewards of a career in policing,” YRA coordinator, Acting Sergeant Tiffany Rose. “Each participant stepped up, worked hard and showed the teamwork, determination and leadership that are at the heart of public service.”

This year’s second summer class of 37 students completed five full days of training, gaining a small but meaningful look into the first year of life as a police recruit. The experience also encouraged students to think about the importance of physical fitness, leadership, accountability and service to community.

The Youth Recruit Academy is made possible through the generous support of the Edmonton Police Foundation, whose continued commitment helps create opportunities for youth to learn, grow and explore future pathways in policing.

Autopsy complete in Tuesday homicide

30 Jul 2026 20:21:30 UT

An autopsy has confirmed Tuesday’s death of a 39-year-old man was a homicide.

A Wednesday, July 29, 2026 autopsy determined that Hiwa Palani, 39, died of gunshot wounds, and his death was a homicide.

Homicide investigators are releasing photos of two suspect vehicles. A grey 2009 Mazda 3 was used during the homicide and then driven to 213 Street and 108 Avenue, where it was set on fire. The suspect then got into a 2007 red Ford Fusion and drove it to Ada Boulevard and 50 Street, where it was also set on fire before the suspect fled on foot into the river valley.

The Mazda fire was extinguished by witnesses in the area, and the Ford fire was extinguished by Edmonton Fire Rescue Services. Both vehicles were found to have front bumper body damage as shown in the photos below.

Grey 2009 Mazda 3 set on fire at 213 Street and 108 Avenue

Damage to Mazda’s driver’s side bumper

Damaged 2007 Ford Fusion abandoned at Ada Boulevard and 50 Street

Red 2007 Ford Fusion

Investigators are asking anyone with CCTV or dashcam video in the above noted areas between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to review their footage for evidence of these vehicles or the people associated to them, and call police at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile device. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.