Charges laid in fatal altercation outside Portico Lounge

One man has been charged in relation to the death of a man in his 30s that occurred outside the Portico Lounge in September.

On Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, at approximately 5 a.m., Calgary Police Service members were called for reports that multiple individuals were involved in a disturbance outside the Portico Lounge, located in the 1800 block of 35 Street S.E. Upon arrival, officers found evidence of an altercation and signs that someone may have been in medical distress.

Approximately 20 minutes later, police were notified that a severely injured man was brought into the Peter Lougheed Centre, located in the 3500 block of 26 Avenue N.E., where he later succumbed to his injuries. An autopsy was conducted, and the victim was identified as 32-year-old Awed Tesgay GHEBREMESKEL.

From the investigation, it was learned that in the early morning hours of Sept. 2, 2024, a physical fight occurred outside of the Portico Lounge. During that altercation, it is believed the suspect struck the victim with their vehicle before fleeing the area. The victim and suspect were not known to each other prior to this incident.

At the time, investigators were looking for a black Dodge Caliber, which was believed to have been at the Portico Lounge during the altercation. This vehicle has since been located and an examination of the vehicle has been completed.

Over the past three months, investigators have reviewed hours of CCTV footage, countless forensic exhibits and have spoken with dozens of witnesses in relation to the investigation.

On Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, with the assistance of the Yellowknife RCMP, Calgary Police Service Homicide Unit members arrested one man in Yellowknife, N.W.T.

Jonathan TEWOLDE, 46, of Yellowknife, has been charged with one count of second-degree murder. He will next appear in court on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024.

Case #CA24363355/4525