Media Releases

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.

Edmonton Police Service releases 2025 crime data

29 Jul 2026 16:26:55 UT

On July 22, 2026, Statistics Canada and the Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics (CCJCSS) released its 2025 Police-Reported Crime Statistics. To provide a municipal context alongside these national trends, the EPS is now releasing its 2025 year-end crime analysis.

EPS data for 2025 shows a 3.2% increase in total crime rate, which measures the number of police-reported crimes per 100,000 people.

The statistics reflect a 6.5% decrease in the total crime severity index (CSI), which measures the volume and severity of crime using a nationally standardized weighting system. Violent CSI showed a 3.2% increase, while non-violent CSI decreased by 11%.

Of note, the property crime rate in Edmonton showed a large increase of 10.1%, driven by increases in shoplifting, mischief and theft from auto.

“In 2025, we saw our crime rate creeping up after steady decreases in recent years, along with notable increases in property crime,” says Police Operations Chief Devin Laforce. “In 2025, shoplifting under $5,000 increased by 30%, while mischief increased by 23%, and theft under $5000 from a motor vehicle showed a 17% increase.”

“In early 2026, we launched Safer Edmonton, a crime management approach that strategically deploys resources to specific areas where the data shows us an increased presence is needed. Based on community boundaries, crime data and mapping, the zones help identify emerging trends and guide targeted enforcement efforts.”

“As a result of these efforts, we are seeing decreases in violent and non-violent crime and disorder, and increases in proactive enforcement, including breaches and warrant executions, in the areas targeted. A monthlong early summer deployment in Northwest Branch resulted in a 18.7% decrease in violent crime and a 23.7% decrease in disorder events year to date.”

“We hear community concerns about disorder, public drug use and property crime in Edmonton’s busiest areas, and how that affects perceptions of safety,” adds Laforce. “We will continue to emphasize a data-driven, proactive policing approach, along with strong government and community partnerships that help connect people to the right services as we work together to build a safer Edmonton.”

The EPS is again presenting the annual crime statistics in the dashboard that was launched last year. This ensures members of the media and public have easy access to the data and trends surrounding Edmonton’s crime rate, top violations as well as their comparisons to provincial and national figures.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2025 YEAR-END CRIME ANALYSIS

Edmonton’s Crime Severity Index (CSI) decreased by 6.5% between 2024 and 2025

Edmonton’s violent CSI increased by 3.2% between 2024 and 2025

Edmonton’s non-violent crime severity decreased by 11% between 2024 and 2025

Edmonton’s total crime rate increased by 3.2% between 2024 and 2025

Edmonton’s violent crime rate decreased by 2.5% between 2024 and 2025

Edmonton’s property crime rate increased by 10.1% between 2024 and 2025

Citywide disorder calls for service increased by 3.4% between 2024 and 2025

Edmonton’s overall calls for service increased by 4.3% between 2024 and 2025, while officer generated calls for service increased by 19.9% over the same period.

Police investigating suspicious death

28 Jul 2026 22:50:32 UT

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

On Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at approximately 11:35 a.m., West Branch patrol officers responded to the report of a shooting at a business in the area of 112 Avenue and 149 Street. Upon arrival, they located a 39-year-old male suffering from serious injuries.

EMS responded, treated and transported the male to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. EPS Homicide Section has taken over the investigation. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

A male was seen fleeing the area on foot around the time of the shooting, and investigators are seeking witnesses and dashcam footage from anyone who was in the area between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. today.

Anyone with dash cameras that were active during this time are asked to review their footage and contact police if they see anything suspicious by calling 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.

Charges laid in homicide of 27-year-old woman

28 Jul 2026 16:57:04 UT

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has laid charges after a weekend homicide in the city's west end.

On Sunday, July 26, 2026, at approximately 9:40 p.m., West Division officers responded to a report of an altercation outside of a residence in the Hamptons neighbourhood.

When officers arrived, they found a 27-year-old female with life-threatening injuries. She was treated and transported to hospital by EMS where she sadly passed away. A 33-year-old woman was arrested on scene.

The EPS Homicide Section assumed the investigation. On Monday, July 27, 2026, the Edmonton Medical Examiner’s Office completed an autopsy and determined Zubaria Khan’s cause of death was multiple stab wounds and the manner of death was homicide.

Fahimah Rahimi, 33, has been charged with second degree murder. The two women were known to each other, and investigators are not seeking any additional suspects at this time.

Police seek witnesses and dashcam video of motorcycle collision

25 Jul 2026 21:30:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is seeking the public's assistance identifying a driver and vehicle believed to have been involved in a collision on Friday evening.

On July 24, 2026, around 6:20 pm, two males were riding their 2004 Harley Davidson motorcycles eastbound on 98 St and 82 Ave when one of the riders, a 55-year-old, lost control and struck the back of an eastbound 2019 Mini Cooper and was separated from his bike. The motorcycle continued to hit two other parked vehicles.

The driver suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital by EMS. The occupants of the Mini Cooper were not injured.

The second motorcycle driver believes that prior to the collision, a white Jeep struck the side of the other motorcycle, leading to the driver losing control.

The EPS continues to investigate and is asking anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage to contact them 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.

Police investigating pedestrian collision; seeking witnesses and video

25 Jul 2026 19:45:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is seeking the public's assistance following a hit-and-run involving a pedestrian.

On July 24, 2026, EPS members were called about an injured male in the area of 42 Ave and Calgary Trail South. It’s believed that between 10:30 am and 10:45 am, a man in his early 50’s was on 42 Ave when he was hit by a vehicle and sustained life-threatening injuries. He was taken to hospital by EMS.

The driver involved in the collision left the scene and investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who was travelling in the area at the time and may have dashcam footage to contact police.

Please reach out to the EPS with information at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.

Police seek witnesses and video following suspicious death

25 Jul 2026 19:00:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is investigating a suspicious death that occurred in downtown Edmonton earlier this month.

On Sunday, July 12, 2026, EMS responded to a 54-year-old male in medical distress around the northeast corner of 103 St and Jasper Avenue. He died later that day in hospital.

Very few details are available at this time.

The EPS is now investigating, and officers are asking anyone with video, dashcam footage, or may have witnessed anything suspicious in the area between midnight and 12:30 am to come forward.

No further information is available right now.

If you have information or video, please contact the EPS 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.

Police seek assistance locating missing man

25 Jul 2026 17:15:00 UT

Missing man has been located.

The 72-year-old man reported missing has been located.

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) thanks its media partners and the public for their assistance.