RCMP confirmed Sunday the recent Red Deer South Walmart shooting was not targeted.
Initially police believed this was a targeted shooting.
Charles (Jim) Williams, 69, and his wife were leaving the Walmart Friday when the man was approached by an individual unknown to them. There was an altercation and Williams was fatally shot. The suspect then fled the scene in a stolen vehicle being operated by a woman.
RCMP Air Services, Police Dog Services, the Emergency Response Team and RCMP members from surrounding detachments were deployed to assist.
Rimbey RCMP received a report of a stolen vehicle from their detachment area and shortly thereafter both stolen vehicles were observed by RCMP Air Services.
Spike belts were deployed and successfully immobilized both vehicles.
A female suspect remained in one of the stolen vehicles and was arrested. The male suspect fled on foot and was apprehended shortly thereafter. Both suspects were in custody by 10:30 p.m. Friday.
Two Red Deerians Chase Freed (18) and Crystal Maurice (30) face several charges.
Freed has been charged with second degree murder, attempted murder while using a firearm, failing to stop while being pursued by a police officer, dangerous operation and theft of motor vehicle.
Maurice has been charged with accessory after the fact to murder, failing to stop while being pursued by a police officer, dangerous operation and theft of motor vehicle.
Freed has been remanded to be appear in Court on Jan. 6 at 9:30 a.m. in Red Deer via CCTV.
Maurice has been remanded to be appear in Court Monday at 9:30 a.m. in Red Deer via CCTV.
As this matter is now before the courts, police say no further information will be provided.
On Saturday, Mayor Tara Veer said the community is deeply shocked and trying to process the tragic incident.
“We grieve with and for the victim and his family. We are also greatly concerned about the well being of the first hand witnesses, Walmart staff, and all who were directly affected by this trauma,” Veer said.
The city is working closely with the Alberta RCMP to uphold the integrity of the investigation and to ensure that the family, all who are affected, and our community receive answers.
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mamta.lulla@reddeeradvocate.com
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