Edmonton likely to surpass 2020 homicide count

So far in 2021, there have been 37 confirmed homicides, compared to a total of 38 last year.

With three   suspicious deaths and one suspicious disappearance under investigation by Edmonton police homicide detectives, if all four turn out to be homicides, it would bring Edmonton’s homicide count to 41.

If the above become confirmed homicides, and then no other homicides occur between now and the end of the year, 2021 will be the third deadliest year on record at 41, the same number that occurred in 2016, according to Postmedia’s records dating back to 1999.

In 2011, there were 48 homicides, marking the city’s deadliest year. There were 45 homicides in 2017, 41 in 2016 and 39 in 2005.

Of the 37 homicides so far this year, 34 are men and three are women. The city’s youngest homicide victim was 18 years old, while the oldest was 64.

Nine people have died from gunshot wounds, eight people of stab wounds, four from sharp force injuries, and three from blunt force trauma. Eleven of the victims have had their cause of death withheld or results are pending further testing.

Two of the 37 homicides involved men who were shot and killed by Edmonton police. Police do not include these deaths in their official homicide count.

To date, 20 people have been charged in 18 homicides. Thirteen people have been charged with second-degree murder, four people have been charged with first-degree murder, and three people have been charged with manslaughter.

Suspicious deaths and disappearance

Edmonton police are also investigating a number of suspicious deaths over the last few months.

On Aug. 6, officers were called to a local hospital after staff found 21-year-old Ezekiel Bigstone in medical distress at a transit stop in the university area. Bigstone died in hospital and his death is considered suspicious.

The death of a 57-year-old man in the area of 92 Street and Stadium Road on Aug. 12 also remains suspicious. While an autopsy was completed, the cause and manner of death are pending further testing. Police haven’t released his name, saying there is a possibility the death may be non-criminal.

Police are also investigating the suspicious death of 43-year-old Donald Blizzard , whose remains were found in Lac St. Anne County on Sept. 13. Blizzard had been missing since July.

The homicide section is also investigating the disappearance of 23-year-old Nicole Frenchman . She was reported missing in August and her disappearance is now considered suspicious. Police have found no evidence of life since July 10.