Investigative updates from the Homicide Unit
The Calgary Police Service Homicide Unit is currently investigating five deaths that have occurred in the past week. The incidents are not believed to be connected, although each incident is believed to be targeted in nature.
Multiple resources, including specialized teams of investigators, are currently assisting in the investigations and suppression efforts to address the ongoing violence. The gun violence is of serious concern to police as it jeopardizes the safety of the public.
It is critical that anyone with information about these incidents come forward to police.
The following investigative updates have been provided by the Homicide Unit, including the announcement of a homicide that occurred on Jan. 1, 2020, that has not yet been released.
Jan. 5 – Undetermined death in Fish Creek Park
The investigation into a body discovered engulfed in flames in Fish Creek Park on Sunday remains classified as an undetermined death investigation.
An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, to determine cause and manner of death, as well as the identity of the victim. Despite the state the body was found in, it is still not yet known if this death is criminal in nature, or as a result of suicide.
Police do not yet have a preliminary identification of the victim and it does not match any current missing persons reports. The victim is believed to be a Caucasian man, over 6’ tall. Police are encouraging anyone who may be missing a loved one to file a missing person’s report if they have not yet done so.
Case #20005953/4701
Jan. 5 – Downtown assault investigation
The autopsy for a man found downtown in medical distress on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan.7, 2020.
Investigators are currently reviewing CCTV to assist in determining how many offenders were involved in the assault. It is believed the assault occurred at approximately 4:45 a.m., in the 100 block of 11 Avenue S.E.
Anyone who was in the area at the time, or who may have information about this incident, is asked to contact police.
Case #20005910/3417
Jan. 4 – Saddleridge shooting investigation
As per the release issued last night, police continue to seek witnesses who are believed to have been in the area at the time of the shooting.
An autopsy to formally identify the deceased is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020. Further updates are not expected to be available until after the autopsy.
Case #2005443/3828
Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day homicide investigation
The Homicide Unit is investigating a homicide that occurred over New Year’s.
On Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020, police were alerted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner that a routine autopsy into the death of an individual on Jan. 1, was deemed a homicide. The autopsy revealed the man had died as a result of injuries sustained during an assault.
A subsequent investigation has revealed the man was in an altercation at the Alpha House, 203 15 Ave. S.E., at approximately 6:50 p.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019. Staff at the Alpha House called police to report the assault, but cancelled the call shortly after at the request of the victim, believing the man was alright.
The next morning, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Alpha House staff found the victim in medical distress and contacted emergency medical services. He was taken to hospital, but later succumbed to his injuries.
The name of the victim will be released pending next of kin notification. Police have identified a person of interest and the investigation is ongoing.
This as the first homicide of 2020 in Calgary.
Case #20000330/3828
Dec. 30 – Rundle shooting investigation
The investigation continues into a shooting that left one man dead, and another seriously injured in Rundle early last week.
Police are still seeking information about the driver of the white, 2018 Ford Fusion, who is believed to have critical information about the investigation.
Case #19558445/3750
Dec. 27 - Homicide deemed non-culpable
The death of a man on Dec. 27, has been deemed a non-culpable homicide.
At approximately 9:30 p.m., on Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, police received a call from an upstairs tenant of a four-plex in the 2500 block of 9 Ave. S.E., after she heard a disturbance between two downstairs occupants. When officers arrived on scene, they found a 48-year-old man deceased and a 39-year-old man was taken into custody.
An autopsy occurred on Monday, Dec. 30, 2019, to formally identify the victim and determine the cause of death. The man’s death was ruled as a homicide by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The investigation by the Calgary Police Service Homicide Unit, and in consultation with the Crown Prosecutor, has determined that this is a non-culpable homicide, and as such charges will not be laid, and the deceased will not be identified.
A non-culpable homicide includes situations where the homicide occurs as a result of an accident or in self-defence. Although a person died at the hands of another, the likelihood of conviction does not stand the test of a criminal trial and therefore charges are not laid.
Investigators believe the two men were acquaintances at a gathering within the residence when the deceased allegedly assaulted the 39-year-old man. The 48-year-old man received fatal injuries as a result of the confrontation.
No further information will be released about this case.
Case #19555686
Dec. 26 – Person of interest located
A person of interest sought in the Boxing Day homicide of Farah Hersi HANDULE, has been located.
On Friday, Jan. 3, 2020, police released a plea for information to locate Mohamed Hussein AHMED, wanted for an impression warrant. AHMED was located on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, in Ontario.
Investigators continue to search for the newer model white Dodge Durango, believed to be connected to the investigation. Photos of the vehicle are available on The City of Calgary Newsroom.
We would like to thank the media and the public for their assistance in locating AHMED. The investigation continues.
Case #19554245/3394
Anyone with information about any of these cases is asked to contact the police non-emergency number 403-266-1234. Tips on any of these investigations can also be left anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
APP: "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store